Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering

, Volume 47, Issue 2, pp 757–770 | Cite as

Surface Miners: Evaluation of the Production Rate and Cutting Performance Based on Rock Properties and Specific Energy

  • Chiara Origliasso
  • Marilena Cardu
  • Vladislav Kecojevic
Original Paper
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the production rate (PR) and cutting performance of surface miners (SM) based on rock properties and specific energy (SE). We use data from equipment manufacturers and experimental data in this study and propose a new method and equations to determine both the PR and the cutting speed of SM. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the rock, its abrasivity, and the machine’s engine power are the three most important factors influencing the PR. Moreover, the cutting depth, UCS, and engine power have a significant impact on the cutting speed. We propose a new method and equations to determine the energy required to cut a volume unit and a surface unit, i.e., specific energy, and establish the relationship between SE, UCS, and PR. The results of this study can be used by surface miner operators to evaluate the applicability of the machines to a specific mine site.

Keywords

Surface miner Rock properties Specific energy Production rate 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Wien 2013

Authors and Affiliations

  • Chiara Origliasso
    • 1
  • Marilena Cardu
    • 2
    • 3
  • Vladislav Kecojevic
    • 4
  1. 1.Department of Mining EngineeringCoassoloItaly
  2. 2.Department of LandEnvironment and Infrastructures (DIATI)TurinItaly
  3. 3.CNR-IGAGTurinItaly
  4. 4.Department of Mining EngineeringWest Virginia University 359C Mineral Resources BuildingMorgantownUSA

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