Cutter wear and its effect on PR and AR
Abstract
An additional fine tuning of Q TBM , which also concerns machine-rock interaction (as does F /SIGMA), is the effect of limited cutter life in quartz-rich rock types. Two basic effects are involved. Firstly, there is an increase in the amount of ineffective rock crushing that occurs when a cutter gradually looses its original profile due to the abrasive nature of the rock. Secondly, more frequent stops are required for cutter-shift. An associated problem is caused in hard rock with marked individual joints, due to a reduced life for the cutter bearings. Increased numbers of joint sets increases the life of the cutter bearing ( NTH 1994 ).
Fields of Study & Subjects
Tunneling and Rock Mechanics
Rock Mechanics and Modeling
Soil Mechanics and Vehicle Dynamics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 81–85
- Publication date
- 19 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter