Design and Optimization of Tunnel Boring Machines by Simulating the Cutting Rock Process using the Discrete Element Method

Authors

  • Roberto C. Medel-Morales Computational Sciences Department, Centro de Investigación en Matemáticas, A.C.
  • Salvador Botello-Rionda Computational Sciences Department, Centro de Investigación en Matemáticas, A.C.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13053/cys-17-3-1559

Keywords:

Tunnel boring machine, cutting disc, lineal cutting test, cohesion.

Abstract

Nowadays there is a large number of tunnelingprojects in progress, mainly in Europe, both for roadsand transport supplies. Performance prediction of tunnelboring machines (TBM) and the determination of somedesign parameters have become crucial, as they arecritical elements in planning a project of mechanicalexcavation. In this paper we use the Discrete ElementMethod (DEM) to build models which simulate therock cutting process under a cutting disk and measurethe interaction between forces and hard rock essentialin the design of TBM. The DEM is an appropriatetool for modeling geomaterials; it is assumed that asolid material can be represented by a collection ofrigid particles interacting with each other in the normaland tangential directions. The particles are linked bycohesive forces which can break and simulate fracturepropagation.

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Published

2013-09-30

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 3 (2013): 17(3) July-September 2013

Section

Articles

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