Simultaneous effects of joint spacing and orientation on the penetration rate of TBM using numerical modeling

摘要

The influence of joint spacing and orientation on penetration rate of disc cutter and chip formation has simultaneously been studied using the discrete element method (DEM). To do this, three ranges of joint spacing together with seven values of joint orientation were included in the model and hence 21 models were conducted. The analysis results of this study showed that with increase of joint spacing in given joint orientation, the TBM penetration decreases. Increasing penetration trend for orientation 45 to 75° had a higher gradient value than that for 0 to 30°. The analysis results showed that the optimum joint orientation from the viewpoint of TBM penetration is about 60 to 75°.