The energy method to predict disc cutter wear extent for hard rock TBMs

Prediction of disc cutter wear extent is a critical factor for improving the working performance of tunnel boring machines (TBMs). In this study, three TBM working performance parameters are demonstrated to be directly influenced by disc cutter wear and selected as factors that predict disc cutter wear extent; new equations that describe the specific energy (SE) requirement of all disc cutters on the cutterhead are developed, and the SE rule is...