The influence of TBM design and machine features on performance and tool wear in rock / Der Einfluss von TBM-Konstruktion und Maschineneigenschaften auf Leistung und Werkzeugverbrauch in Gestein

Performance and tool consumption are decisive factors in the economical application of TBMs. Therefore the most accurate possible prediction of penetration and cutter life, the commonly used measures, is of great importance. The potential accuracy is certainly restricted by the boundary conditions of application underground in rock. Apart from the characteristics of the prevailing rock, prediction models must also take into account parameters representing the design and layout of the TBM used (for example, parameters referring to dimensions and installed forces).It is the aim of this paper to provide a survey not only of all those features and parameters of TBMs, whose influence on penetration and cutter life has been already recognized and investigated, but also of those whose evaluation is still pending (e.g. the stiffness of the cutter head). Only those parameters are addressed which are assumed to be influential.
The evaluated correlations are predominantly presented in tendency diagrams. This enables the interaction of more parameters to be displayed better. Furthermore an extrapolation of such diagrams is easier, allowing their application in prediction models and also coping with future technical developments in TBM technology.