A new small scale rock cutting test

摘要

Full scale linear cutting tests are regarded as a reliable basis for performance prediction of hard rock Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM). However, obtaining suitable specimen is difficult and the effort to perform a feasible number of cutting tests is significant. This paper presents a newly developed small scale rock cutting test apparatus which can be installed in conventional hydraulic testing machines typically available in common rock mechanics laboratories. The specimen are obtained from drill cores which are available at early project stages. Results are compared with full scale rock cutting tests and geotechnical standard parameters. Consequently, the new test might prove a valuable tool for performance prediction of mechanically excavated underground structures.