The influence of penetration and cutting speed of pipe-jacking disc cutter on its cutting force and rock-breaking efficiency

Abstract

The disc cutter, which is essential to pipe-jacking to break rock, is the main tool used in this crucial method of tunnel building. The present research is focused on the force of the disc cutter and how well it breaks rock. This paper uses the medium-weathered granite of the Xinjing Mountain Substation - Beifeng Substation as an example to study the effects of penetration and cutting speed on the force and rock-breaking efficiency of the disc cutter. It does this by using ABAQUS to analyze the disc cutter’s operating state under various penetration and cutting speeds and to find the ideal rock-breaking efficiency. The findings demonstrate that: (1) Breaking rock is a discontinuous process that advances continuously. The rock unit beneath the disc cutter ring will change from an elastic to an elastic condition as the disc cutter moves. The rock unit beneath the disc cutter ring will undergo continuous extrusion as the disc cutter moves, changing from an elastic to a plastic state until failing as a result of damage. (2) All of the cutting forces rise as penetration and cutting speed increase, but the rolling force is more affected by penetration and vertical force by cutting speed. When the disc cutter breaks in a straight line, the side force is little. (3) The rock-breaking efficiency increases with a 4 mm penetration and a faster cutting speed.