Experimental Investigation on the Influence Factors on TBM Cutter Wear Based on Composite Abrasion Test

Disc cutter wear is a crucial problem that influences the working efficiency and security of hard rock tunnel-boring machines (TBMs). When tunneling and rock breaking with TBM, the cutters at the forefront of the cutter head directly contact the tunnel face, where wear is serious due to a harsh working environment. In this study, the Cerchar abrasivity index (CAI) of various rock samples was obtained by using the ATA-IGG I rock abrasion servo system. Additionally, a series of small-size cutter wear experiments were carried out on an SP3-I composite abrasion test platform, and the fitting relationship between cutter wear and rock abrasion value was obtained. A cutter wear prediction method was established by measuring the cutter wear and rock CAI of the project built section and the rock CAI of the project unbuilt section. Based on the experimental results, the effects of different tunneling parameters (penetration speed, rolling speed) and tip width on cutter wear were analyzed. In the study of cutter wear, attention should be paid to the influence of load, vibration and temperature on the cutter wear removal mechanism. It is suggested that wide-tip and narrow-tip cutters should be arranged alternately on a TBM cutter head to give full play to the lateral rock crack ability developed by the wide-tip cutter and the radial rock crack ability developed by the narrow-tip cutter, so as to reduce wear on the cutter and improve the efficiency of TBM rock breaking. The results of this research provide a reference for optimization design and performance selection of a TBM cutter ring and cutter head.