A cutter layout optimization method for full-face rock tunnel boring machine

Abstract

A cutter layout optimization strategy for full-face rock tunnel boring machine (TBM) is proposed, to overcome the drawback that the original design usually can not meet the balance requirements for cutter head forces and the rock breaking amount of each cutter. The layout schemes are designed by grouping the cutters and exerting micro-adjustment for the position angle and radius. The best layout is achieved by selecting the layout schemes using grey relational analysis and the TB880E TBM cutter layout are optimized. Compared with the computational results of the original layout design, the eccentric moment decreases by 65%. It is concluded that the position angle plays a main role in cutter layout optimization, and the cutter layout exerts obvious influence on cutter head performance. The optimization strategy can avoid stress concentration without doing harm to structural stiffness. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.