Study on Optimum Free-face Condition of Cutting Hard Rock with Tunnel Boring Machine Hob.

To explore the rock-breaking characteristics of cutting hard rock under free-face condition by tunnel boring machine (TBM) hob and obtain the optimum free-face condition, the rock-breaking processes such as crack propagation, amount of micro crack and reaction force with penetration depth are first investigated based on discrete element simulation method. Then, the crack length, rock chip area, specific energy consumption etc. with different free-face spacing (S) and free-face height (H) are studied combined with rockcutting simulation and experiment. The research results show that the formation of the rock chip under free-face condition by TBM hob is driven by tensile failure, and it exists an optimum free-face condition with the S of 80 mm and the H of 200 mm to promote main crack propagation and enhance the rock-cutting efficiency, which can provide a reference for the application of rock-breaking technology under the free-face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]