Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Numerical simulation of rock breaking by TBM disc cutter in soil-rock composite formations

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

During tunnel boring machine (TBM) construction, the rock breaking effect of the disc cutter in complex formations affects the progress and cost of the entire project. Therefore, it is necessary to better understand the rock breaking mechanism of TBM in complex formations. In this study, matrix discrete element method (MatDEM) software is used to study the rock breaking mechanism of the disc cutter at the interface of soil and rock. Based on the theoretical study and analysis of rock breaking process of the disc cutter in the soil-rock composite formations, the three-dimensional dynamic rock breaking process of the disc cutter in soil-rock formations with different rock dip angles (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°) is simulated by using MatDEM, and the simulation results are analyzed from three aspects: the unit force, the fracture number of unit connection, and the system energy. The main conclusions are as follows: when the disc cutter is used to roll and break the rock at the soil-rock interface of composite formations, the unit force and the fracture number of unit connection are positively related to the contact area S of the rock and blade at the front edge of the disc cutter. The energy to break the rock by the disc cutter is mainly affected by the broken rock volume per unit time Vdt. The greater the Vdt is, the more energy the disc cutter needs to break the rock is. The total force P is affected by the contact area S (β, t). The change of the maximum total force is small when β = 15°, 30°, and 45°, and is obviously lower at 60° and 75°, respectively.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Armaghani DJ, Yagiz S, Mohamad ET, Zhou J (2021) Prediction of TBM performance in fresh through weathered granite using empirical and statistical approaches. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 118

  • Balci C, Bilgin N (2007) Correlative study of linear small and full-scale rock cutting tests to select mechanized excavation machines. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 44:468–476

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bilgin N, Copur H, Balci C (2012) Effect of replacing disc cutters with chisel tools on performance of a TBM in difficult ground conditions. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 27:41–51

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cho J-W, Jeon S, Jeong H-Y, Chang S-H (2013) Evaluation of cutting efficiency during TBM disc cutter excavation within a Korean granitic rock using linear-cutting-machine testing and photogrammetric measurement. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 35:37–54

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cho JW, Jeon S, Yu SH, Chang SH (2010) Optimum spacing of TBM disc cutters: a numerical simulation using the three-dimensional dynamic fracturing method. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 25:230–244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cundall PA, Strack ODL (1979) A discrete numerical model for granular assemblies %J Géotechnique. Géotechnique 29

  • Geng Q, Wei Z, Meng H, Macias FJ, Bruland AJRM, Engineering R (2016) Free-face-assisted rock breaking method based on the multi-stage tunnel boring machine (TBM) cutterhead. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49:4459–4472

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geng Q, Wei Z, Ren J (2017) New rock material definition strategy for FEM simulation of the rock cutting process by TBM disc cutters. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 65:179–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gong QM, Jiao YY, Zhao J (2006) Numerical modelling of the effects of joint spacing on rock fragmentation by TBM cutters. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 21:46–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hu F, Li Z, Tian Y, Hu R (2021) Failure patterns and morphological soil-rock interface characteristics of frozen soil-rock mixtures under compression and tension. Applied Sciences-Basel 11

  • Hu MM, Zhang B, Li BA, Liu B, Cao WZ, Xu B (2022) TBM-cutter rock-breaking effect and mechanism considering different cutting sequences. Bull Eng Geol Environ 81

  • Innaurato N, Oggeri C, Oreste PP, Vinai R (2007) Experimental and numerical studies on rock breaking with TBM tools under high stress confinement. Rock Mech Rock Eng 40:429–451

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Innaurato N, Oreste P (2011) Theoretical study on the TBM tool-rock interaction. Geotech Geol Eng 29:297–305

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ji P-Q, Zhang X-P, Zhang Q (2016) Partide flow code analysis of effect of ductility-brittleness change on TBM cutters rock fragmentation process and its failure mode. Yantu Lixue/rock and Soil Mechanics 37:724–734

    Google Scholar 

  • Jiang M-J (2019) New paradigm for modern soil mechanics: geomechanics from micro to macro. Yantu Gongcheng Xuebao/chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering 41:195–254

    Google Scholar 

  • Labra C, Rojek J, Onate E (2017) Discrete/finite element modelling of rock cutting with a TBM disc cutter. Rock Mech Rock Eng 50:621–638

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li B, Hu M, Zhang B, Li N, Shao W, Nie L, Cao W, Xu B (2022a) Numerical simulation and experimental studies of rock-breaking methods for pre-grooving-assisted disc cutter. Bull Eng Geol Env 81:90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li B, Zhang B, Hu M, Liu B, Cao W, Xu B (2022b) Full-scale linear cutting tests to study the influence of pre-groove depth on rock-cutting performance by TBM disc cutter. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 122:104366

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li G, Wang W, Jing Z, Zuo L, Wang F, Wei Z (2018) Mechanism and numerical analysis of cutting rock and soil by TBM cutting tools. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 81:428–437

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li LY, Du XL, Zhou J (2020) Numerical simulation of site deformation induced by shield tunneling in typical upper-soft-lower-hard soil-rock composite stratum site of Changchun. KSCE J Civ Eng 24:3156–3168

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liang Y, Cao L, Liu J, Sui W (2019) Numerical simulation of mechanical response of glacial tills under biaxial compression with the DEM. Bull Eng Geol Env 78:1575–1588

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin L, Xia Y, Mao Q, Zhang X (2018) Experimental study on wear behaviors of TBM disc cutter ring in hard rock conditions. Tribol Trans 61:920–929

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu C, Le T, Shi B, Zhu Y (2020) Discussion on three major problems of engineering application of the particle discrete element method. Yanshilixue Yu Gongcheng Xuebao/chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering 39:1142–1152

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu C, Pollard DD, Gu K, Shi B (2015a) Mechanism of formation of wiggly compaction bands in porous sandstone: 2. Numerical simulation using discrete element method. Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth 120:8153–8168

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu C, Xu Q, Shi B, Deng S, Zhu H (2017) Mechanical properties and energy conversion of 3D close-packed lattice model for brittle rocks. Comput Geosci 103:12–20

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu X-W, Wei L, Lei G-F, Liu Q-S (2015b) Numerical manifold simulation for rock fragmentation process under TBM double cutters in mixed ground. Meitan Xuebao/journal of the China Coal Society 40:1225–1234

    Google Scholar 

  • Luo W, Yuan D, Jin D, Lu P (2020) Prediction and analysis of slurry pressure at the shield cut in composite strata based on random forest. Tumu Gongcheng Xuebao/china Civil Engineering Journal 53:43–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma H, Gong Q, Wang J, Yin L, Zhao X (2016) Study on the influence of confining stress on TBM performance in granite rock by linear cutting test. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 57:145–150

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ma H, Ji H (2011) Experimental study of the effect of joint orientation on fragmentation modes and penetration rate under TBM disc cutters. Yanshilixue Yu Gongcheng Xuebao/chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering 30:155–163

    Google Scholar 

  • Niu H, Shao S, Zou X (2022) Study on failure characteristics of surrounding rock of benching excavation in loess overburden soil-rock contact zone. Earth Sci Inform

  • Ozdemir L, Wang FD (1979) Mechanical tunnel boring prediction and machine design

  • Qi W, Wang L, Zhou S, Kang Y, Zhang Q (2022) Total loads modeling and geological adaptability analysis for mixed soil-rock tunnel boring machines. Underground Space 7:337–351

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qin ZH, Tao Z, Chen ZC, Zhang ZG, Tang CA, Liu H, Ren Q (2022) Deformation analysis and prediction of foundation pit in soil-rock composite stratum. Front Physics 9

  • Ren D-J, Shen S-L, Arulrajah A, Cheng W-C (2018) Prediction model of TBM disc cutter wear during tunnelling in heterogeneous ground. Rock Mech Rock Eng 51:3599–3611

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rostami J (2013) Study of pressure distribution within the crushed zone in the contact area between rock and disc cutters. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 57:172–186

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rostami J, Ozdemir L, Nilson B (1996) Comparison between CSM and NTH hard rock TBM performance prediction models

  • Roxborough FF, Phillips HR (1975) Rock excavation by disc cutter. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts 12:361–366

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scaringi G, Fan X, Xu Q, Liu C, Ouyang C, Domenech G, Yang F, Dai L (2018) Some considerations on the use of numerical methods to simulate past landslides and possible new failures: the case of the recent Xinmo landslide (Sichuan, China). Landslides 15:1359–1375

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Song Y, Li A, Wang W-Y, Du C-S, Zhang D, Fu X-X (2020) Research and application of mud proportioning optimization of slurry balance shield in mudstone and gravel composite stratum. Yantu Lixue/Rock and Soil Mechanics 41,4054–4062 and 4072

  • Sui HT, Ma C, Dai CQ, Yang TZ (2021) Study on stability of shield tunnel excavation face in soil-rock composite stratum. Mathematical Prob Eng

  • Tang M, Huang X, Wang S, Zhai Y, Zhuang Q, Zhang C.J.B.o.E.G., Environment, t., 2022. Study of the cutter-rock interaction mechanism during TBM tunnelling in mudstone: insight from DEM simulations of rotatory cutting tests. Bull Eng Geol Environ 81

  • Wu D, Yang X, He Z, Cao L (2013) Study on Eccentric Wear Mechanism of Pick-shaped Cutter in Soft and Hard Interbedded Formation Tunnel, 3rd International Conference on Civil Engineering and Transportation (ICCET 2013), Kunming, PEOPLES R CHINA, pp. 1668-+

  • Xia YM, Guo B, Cong GQ, Zhang XH, Zeng GY (2017) Numerical simulation of rock fragmentation induced by a single TBM disc cutter close to a side free surface. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 91:40–48

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xing K, Zhou Z, Yang H, Liu B (2020) Macro-meso freeze-thaw damage mechanism of soil-rock mixtures with different rock contents. Int J Pavement Eng 21:9–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu W-J, Zhang H-Y (2021) Research on the effect of rock content and sample size on the strength behavior of soil-rock mixture. Bull Eng Geol Env 80:2715–2726

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu WJ, Hu RL, Tan RJ (2007) Some geomechanical properties of soil-rock mixtures in the Hutiao Gorge area, China. Geotechnique 57:255–264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xue Y, Zhou J, Liu C, Shadabfar M, Zhang J (2021) Rock fragmentation induced by a TBM disc-cutter considering the effects of joints: a numerical simulation by DEM. Comp Geotech 136

  • Yang H, Wang H, Zhou X (2016) Analysis on the rock-cutter interaction mechanism during the TBM tunneling process. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49:1073–1090

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang HQ, Li Z, Jie TQ, Zhang ZQ (2018) Effects of joints on the cutting behavior of disc cutter running on the jointed rock mass. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 81:112–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang X, Xia Y, Tan Q, Lin L, Lao T, Liu J (2016) Study on the characteristics of breaking jointed rock by tunnel boring machine single-point and double-point cutters. Harbin Gongcheng Daxue Xuebao/journal of Harbin Engineering University 37:1424–1431

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Z, Wang S, Huang X (2018) Analysis on the evolution of rock block behavior during TBM tunneling considering the TBM-block interaction. Rock Mech Rock Eng 51:2237–2263

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Resources and Geosciences, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, China

    Qing Yu, Xiaohong He, Haoyu Miao, Minghua Lin, Kaixiang Zhang & Rui Guo

Authors
  1. Qing Yu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Xiaohong He
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Haoyu Miao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Minghua Lin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Kaixiang Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Rui Guo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xiaohong He.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Yu, Q., He, X., Miao, H. et al. Numerical simulation of rock breaking by TBM disc cutter in soil-rock composite formations. Bull Eng Geol Environ 81, 514 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-022-03023-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-022-03023-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation