The mechanized supporting system in tunnelling operations

摘要

Tunnelling, especially those providing access and preparatory ones, is the biggest problem in the exploitation of useful minerals by longwall systems. Providing access to the deposit and then preparing it for exploitation generates high costs with minimal or no income. Shortening the time of tunnel developments through the mechanization of mining works (mining, loading, erecting support) will significantly reduce the time and costs of implementing these facilities. At present, the mining and loading process has been mechanized (roadheaders), while the issue of erecting a steel arch support or even an anchoring support is still open. In order to solve this problem, the last element of such a complex was developed at the AGH University of Science and Technology, i.e. the temporary mechanized tunnel support along with the modular installation and transport assembly. This support, together with other elements of the mine face equipment, forms the mechanized supporting system in tunnelling operations, where the fixed support is mounted behind the roadheader, enabling continuous cutting and loading.