Preliminary assessment of roadheaders efficiency based on empirical methods and index of equivalent rock strength

Abstract

Purpose. The choice of a proper roadheader is a critically important step in planning of a project or some of its stages. Nowadays various manufacturers produce numerous models of these vehicles, hence it is unreasonable to conduct a thorough analysis of each model’s parameters in terms of their adequacy for the successful implementation of the project. Therefore, it is necessary to develop quite simple and easy-to-use assessment of roadheaders efficiency at the project preliminary stages. Methods. The widely used model of the Colorado School of Mines based on numerous laboratory tests has been applied as the basic model for determining theoretical efficiency of rock mass destruction. Since domestic scientists are accustomed to using rock strength parameters, which differ from values σc and σt accepted everywhere (including Rus-sia), we represented dependencies that allow to convert values of some indicators to the values of other indicators. Findings. Calculating the efficiency of roadheaders’ use for each geological section with homogeneous rock can take unreasonably long time. Thus, it is necessary to have a simple integrated strength index for the whole excavation or even enterprise, which can be interpreted through the generally accepted values such as the uniaxial compressive strength σc and tensile strength σt. Jointing of rocks is also an important parameter in a feasibility study of roadhea-ders’ efficiency. Originality. The equivalent rock strength index was applied as a simple integrated strength index for the whole excavation. This parameter is established on the basis of integrated assessment index of mining operations complexity, which comprises the sum of the uniaxial compressive strength σc and rock jointing for the whole excavation or even mining enterprise. Practical implications. The results of this paper can serve as a preliminary scientifically grounded method of selecting equipment for a particular project in mining industry or underground construction by the efficiency criterion. Its main advantage is simplicity and clarity. However, it should be noted that this method should not be applied at the stage of the project final feasibility study, especially without considering other production factors (compatibility with other equipment, availability of the personnel with adequate qualification for operation and maintenance of the chosen machine etc.).