Abstract
Tunnel boring machine (TBM) has been widely applied to various tunnel construction projects in hard rocks due to its high efficiency and safety. A number of theoretical or semi-empirical models have been proposed to predict TBM performance under different geological conditions. Cutter forces in these theoretical models are derived mainly based on idealized assumptions, related to the cutting pattern and rock breaking mechanism. However, there is no consensus on the rock breaking as well as the cutter-rock interaction mechanisms. In this study, DEM simulations of the rotary cutting tests are conducted using PFC3D. The cutter-rock contacting behaviour is monitored and the cracking events during the cutting process are recorded. The variation of cutting forces is found to be linked to both the occurrence rate and the total number of cracks. The spatial orientation of cracks is also examined, which seems to vary from horizontal-dominant to vertical-dominant with an overall isotropic pattern. Lastly, the distribution of contact forces between the disc cutter and the rock sample is analysed and its potential implication on the development of TBM performance model is discussed.
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