Workshop: Simulation And Modelling Of Rock Breakage Process By Tbm Rolling Cutters In Abaqus

The tunnel boring machine (TBM) has been widely used in tunneling projects because of its fast advance rate, high efficiency, smooth tunnel formation, and minimal impact on the surrounding environment and safety. The modern era of TBMs began in the early 1950s. Robbins (1987) summarized their development and applications from the 1950s to the 1980s. Since then, TBMs have attracted significant attention, with many new applications and models introduced. Examples include the use of the shield method in urban tunneling, multi-micro shield tunneling for large rectangular tunnels, compact shield tunneling for underground construction, and new performance prediction models for hard rock and mixed-face ground conditions. Studies have also analyzed TBM performance in jointed rock masses and fault zones.

Performance prediction and the rock breakage mechanism of TBM cutters are now key research topics. Many experimental models have been designed to study cutter performance and rock breakage.

In this simulation, the cutter is modeled as a 3D rigid part, while the rock is modeled as a deformable part. Choosing the correct material model is essential to obtain accurate results. The assembly of parts is shown in the figure below. A dynamic explicit step is used for this type of analysis, with general contact interaction and erosion defined in the input file. After running the simulation, the breakage of the rock is clearly visible, as shown in the result figures below.