Roadheader performance prediction using genetic programming (GP) and gene expression programming (GEP) techniques

Roadheading machines play a vital role in excavation operation in tunneling and mining industries notably when selective mining is required. Roadheaders are more effective in soft to medium rock formations due to a higher cutting rate in such strata. A precise prediction of machine’s performance is a crucial issue, as it has considerable effects on excavation planning, project’s cost estimation, machine specification selection as well as safety of the project. In this research, a database of machine performance and some geomechanical parameters of rock formations from Tabas coal mine project, the largest and fully mechanized coal mine in Iran, has been established, including instantaneous cutting rate (ICR), uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, rock quality designation, influence of discontinuity orientation (Alpha angle) and specific energy. Afterward, the parameters were analyzed through genetic programming (GP) and gene expression programming (GEP) approaches to yield more accurate models to predict the performance of roadheaders. As statistical indices, coefficient of determination, root mean square error and variance account were used to evaluate the efficiency of the developed models. According to the obtained results, it was observed that developed models can effectively be implemented for prediction of roadheader performance. Moreover, it was concluded that performance of the GEP model is better than the GP model. A high conformity was observed between predicted and measured roadheader ICR for GEP model.     

The Effects of Operational Parameters on a Mono-wire Cutting System: Efficiency in Marble Processing

Mono-wire block cutting machines that cut with a diamond wire can be used for squaring natural stone blocks and the slab-cutting process. The efficient use of these machines reduces operating costs by ensuring less diamond wire wear and longer wire life at high speeds. The high investment costs of these machines will lead to their efficient use and reduce production costs by increasing plant efficiency. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the cutting performance parameters of mono-wire cutting machines in terms of rock properties and operating parameters. This study aims to investigate the effects of the wire rotational speed (peripheral speed) and wire descending speed (cutting speed), which are the operating parameters of a mono-wire cutting machine, on unit wear and unit energy, which are the performance parameters in mono-wire cutting. By using the obtained results, cuttability charts for each natural stone were created on the basis of unit wear and unit energy values, cutting optimizations were performed, and the relationships between some physical and mechanical properties of rocks and the optimum cutting parameters obtained as a result of the optimization were investigated.     

开挖过程的非线性理论分析

本文从岩土介质力学非线性和变形破坏过程自组织非线性的角度对开挖过程岩土体非线性行为进行了探讨。以此为依据,分析了岩土从微观破坏、滑移面形成、直至整体变形破坏全过程的自组织发生机理,在此基础上,建立了伴随开挖过程岩土体变形破坏的非线性动力学描述方程。     

全站仪和滑动测微计在水布垭地下厂房监测中的应用

首次在国内大型水电工程地下厂房采用高精度全站仪和滑动测微,计分别对施工期围岩表面和深部的变形进行监测。近30个月的监测资料表明,围岩表面监测中变形较大的沉降和收敛测点集中在地下厂房开挖中的第5,6层的岩体上,围岩深部变形主要由岩体结构面或软弱面的张开引起的,地下厂房在监测期间处于稳定状态。通过施工开挖变形快速监测与预报,实时指导施工,保证了工程的安全施工。     

Applications of NTNU/SINTEF Drillability Indices in Hard Rock Tunneling

Drillability indices, i.e., the Drilling Rate Index? (DRI), Bit Wear Index? (BWI), Cutter Life Index? (CLI), and Vickers Hardness Number Rock (VHNR), are indirect measures of rock drillability. These indices are recognized as providing practical characterization of rock properties used in the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) time and cost prediction models available for hard rock tunneling and surface excavation. The tests form the foundation of various hard rock equipment capacity and performance prediction methods. In this paper, application of the tests for tunnel boring machine (TBM) and drill and blast (D&B) tunneling is investigated and the impact of the indices on excavation time and costs is presented.     

缓倾角层理各向异性岩体隧道稳定性的物理模型试验研究

层状岩体的广泛分布是地下工程无法回避的现实。以渝湘高速公路共和隧道为工程背景,采用自行研制的弹脆性模型相似材料,制作出层状岩体隧道模型。采用大型真三轴岩土工程模型试验机进行加载试验,采用围岩应变监测、洞室内窥摄影、试件破坏形态的研究与分析,从而对缓倾角层理岩体中隧道的二次应力分布特征及破坏机制进行研究。试验中还通过超载系数,提供了一个安全储备的定量评估指标。试验的破坏特征与隧道实际破坏一致,说明了模型试验的正确性,同时也为顺层偏压隧道的加固机制研究及加固设计提供了试验基础。     

Advance numerical simulation of tunneling by using a double shield TBM

Double shield TBMs are amongst the most technically sophisticated excavation machines in use by tunneling industry. However, using the shielded machine limits access to the walls for observation of ground conditions and presence of shield makes the machine susceptible to entrapment or seizure in weak rocks under high stresses which results in high convergence. To realistically evaluate the possibility of machine seizure in such grounds, the interaction between the rock mass and shields, lining and backfilling need to be understood. This study explains the application of numerical analysis for 3D simulation of mechanized tunneling by using a double shield TBM. For this purpose, a comprehensive numerical simulation is developed to systematically evaluate the potential of excessive ground convergence. Simulation results at five reference points on the tunnel circumference along the tunnel have been examined. The results are including longitudinal displacement profile (LDP) as well as contact force profiles (LFP) on both front and rear shields, frictional forces and required thrust to move the machine, stress history of ground, and estimated loading of the segments. The results also proved that numerical analyses can successfully be used for prediction of loads on the shield during excavation to assess risks of machine entrapment.     

主应力对巷道交岔点围岩稳定性影响研究

为研究主应力对交岔点围岩稳定性的影响,以某矿为工程背景,建立5组交岔点数值计算模型,研究了交岔点开挖前的扰动应力场偏转规律,并引入点安全系数法研究了主应力和交岔角度对交岔点围岩位移场、扰动破碎区的影响规律。研究结果表明：在交岔点开挖之前,交岔点附近围岩的主应力方向发生偏转,偏转后的应力场类型由σh型变为σv型,交岔点开挖过程中围岩受σv型应力场影响;交岔角（α≤90°）越大,交岔点越稳定;交岔角度相同时,新掘巷道轴向较靠近最大水平主应力方向的交岔点更稳定。交岔点现场实测数据验证了研究结果。     

Effects of Rock Properties on Specific Cutting Energy in Linear Cutting of Sandstones by Picks

Summary. Specific cutting energy (SE) has been widely used to assess the rock cuttability for mechanical excavation purposes. Some prediction models were developed for SE through correlating rock properties with SE values. However, some of the textural and compositional rock parameters i.e. texture coefficient and feldspar, mafic, and felsic mineral contents were not considered. The present study is to investigate the effects of previously ignored rock parameters along with engineering rock properties on SE. Mineralogical and petrographic analyses, rock mechanics, and linear rock cutting tests were performed on sandstone samples taken from sites around Ankara, Turkey. Relationships between SE and rock properties were evaluated using bivariate correlation and linear regression analyses. The tests and subsequent analyses revealed that the texture coefficient and feldspar content of sandstones affected rock cuttability, evidenced by significant correlations between these parameters and SE at a 90% confidence level. Felsic and mafic mineral contents of sandstones did not exhibit any statistically significant correlation against SE. Cementation coefficient, effective porosity, and pore volume had good correlations against SE. Poisson’s ratio, Brazilian tensile strength, Shore scleroscope hardness, Schmidt hammer hardness, dry density, and point load strength index showed very strong linear correlations against SE at confidence levels of 95% and above, all of which were also found suitable to be used in predicting SE individually, depending on the results of regression analysis, ANOVA, Student’s t-tests, and R² values. Poisson’s ratio exhibited the highest correlation with SE and seemed to be the most reliable SE prediction tool in sandstones.     

Experimental and analytical studies of the parameters influencing the action of TBM disc tools in tunnelling

The use of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) is increasingly popular in tunnelling. One of the most important aspects in the use of these machines is to assess with certain accuracy the effectiveness of the action of the discs on the cutter-head in the different rock types to be excavated. A specific machine, called an intermediate linear cutting machine (ILCM), has been developed at the Politecnico di Torino in order to study, on a reduced scale in detail in the laboratory, the interaction between the discs of the TBM and the rock: this machine allows a series of grooves to be cut on a rock sample of 0.5 × 0.3 × 0.2 m, through the rolling of a 6.5-in. disc, and evaluation, during testing, of the parameters associated with the action of the cutting tool. The parameters measured during the tests were compared with the results obtained employing two analytical methods widely used for predicting the performance of TBMs: the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) model and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) model. The latter showed a greater ability to reproduce tests conducted using the ILCM. However, as with the CSM model, it does not allow the optimal excavation condition (the ratio, which minimizes the specific energy of excavation, between the groove spacing and the penetration of the disc), necessary for the correct design of the TBM cutter-head, to be identified. An example, based on a real case of a tunnel in Northern Italy, allowed a demonstration of how the NTNU model provides results in line with the measurements taken during the excavation and represents, therefore, a model that is able to reliably simulate both laboratory tests and the action of a TBM on site. The NTNU model, together with the results of the tests with ILCM targeted on the identification of the optimal conditions of excavation, may allow the correct dimensioning of the TBM cutter-head to be attained in order to effectively implement the excavation.     

开挖对岩体稳态扰动与滑移机制的模拟试验研究

矿山岩体工程开挖将引起周围岩体的移动和变形 ,如果某区域的岩体受到不同开挖工程的共同作用 ,那么岩体内应力状态将是各个影响因素综合作用的结果。本文将应用底面摩擦模型试验方法 ,主要研究和探讨在先期进行地下开采 ,然后进行露天开采条件下 ,边坡岩体的动态滑移机制及其变形规律 ,以便为此类矿山后续开采设计及边坡岩体动态分析提供科学依据。     

核废料处置概念库开挖及封闭后近场热-水-应力耦合数值分析

考虑了缓冲层中温度梯度水分扩散、水蒸汽扩散对水连续性及能量守恒的影响,进一步完善了饱和-非饱和介质中热-水-应力耦合现象的控制方程。应用缓冲材料的实验资料,对核废料处置概念库开挖及封闭后近场的热-水-应力耦合过程进行了数值模拟,以考察围岩中的位移、塑性区、主应力、孔隙水压力和温度的分布及变化。认为开挖是引起洞室围岩中的变形及应力重新分布的主要原因,但坑道封闭后的热-水-应力耦合过程对变形及应力状态也产生了明显的影响。     

Surface Miners: Evaluation of the Production Rate and Cutting Performance Based on Rock Properties and Specific Energy

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the production rate (PR) and cutting performance of surface miners (SM) based on rock properties and specific energy (SE). We use data from equipment manufacturers and experimental data in this study and propose a new method and equations to determine both the PR and the cutting speed of SM. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the rock, its abrasivity, and the machine’s engine power are the three most important factors influencing the PR. Moreover, the cutting depth, UCS, and engine power have a significant impact on the cutting speed. We propose a new method and equations to determine the energy required to cut a volume unit and a surface unit, i.e., specific energy, and establish the relationship between SE, UCS, and PR. The results of this study can be used by surface miner operators to evaluate the applicability of the machines to a specific mine site.     

A numerical exercise for the definition under undrained conditions of the deep tunnel front characteristic curve

In spite of the increasing diffusion of tunnel boring machines, conventional tunnelling is still largely employed in the excavation of both deep and shallow tunnels characterized by a particularly irregular tracing. Under difficult ground conditions, in conventional tunnelling, the front is frequently reinforced by using fibreglass tubes partially removed during the excavation. This technique is expensive, time-consuming and its design is based on either empirical or very simplified theoretical formulas. Thus, the ultimate objective of the research developed by the authors is to introduce a more sophisticated design approach for this front reinforcement technique. A first step in this direction is this numerical study, in which the mechanical response of deep tunnel faces under undrained conditions is analysed by employing the front characteristic curve: a useful tool largely employed in the literature in analogy with what done for the cavity. The main result of this paper is the “Front Mother Characteristic” curve, obtained by introducing appropriate non-dimensional variables, allowing the designer, once both the system geometry and the soil mechanical properties are assigned, to assess the displacements of tunnel fronts without performing any numerical analysis.     

构皮滩导流洞软岩段围岩稳定性分析

采用弹塑性有限元方法,对构皮滩导流洞软岩段围岩开挖、喷锚支护进行合理的模拟,研究了洞室开挖过程及开挖完成后围岩的应力、应变状态、变形大小及塑性区的分布,并对喷锚支护效果作出评价。     

Cuttability assessment of hard coal seams

Summary A number of field and laboratory tests have been carried out on more than 15 coal seams of compressive strengths ranging from 19 MPa to 44 MPa to evolve methods which would help in the selection of suitable coaling machines for hard coal seams. The effect of physico-mechanical properties on cuttability were studied in the laboratory for all these coal seams to identify the relevant parameters affecting the specific energy of coal cuttability. These data were subjected to regression analysis to find the best fit for estimation of laboratory specific energy of coal samples on the basis of simple laboratory and field tests for the strength parameters. Field studies were also conducted over a large number of active mechanized coal faces to study in situ cuttability along with the geo-mining conditions of the site. The field and the laboratory data so generated were correlated and an attempt is made to establish a relationship for estimating the field specific energy for a particular capacity of coaling machines by considering the geo-mining domain of the field in totality.     

进路分步开挖背景应力场演化规律研究

鲁中小官庄铁矿由于埋藏深、地压大、矿体倾角比较缓、矿岩破碎,是国内有名的难采矿山之一。进路开挖以后支护巷道破坏严重,其围岩变形为无收敛变形,也是国内支护较难的矿山之一。针对小官庄铁矿情况,为掌握其地压活动规律,应用东北大学岩石破裂过程分析系统（RFPA）,模拟其采用无底柱分段崩落法进路开挖过程,对进路开挖过程巷道围岩应力变化进行数值分析。发现随着进路开挖,导致进路出现片帮、底鼓、顶板下沉等现象,并且在矿岩接触带出现高应力集中,导致两进路之间的间柱破坏严重,并随着进路开挖应力逐步向新开挖两进路之间的间柱转移,开挖顺序造成边界矿体出现高应力集中,导致边界矿体难采。数值分析结果可以看出：进路的开挖顺序是导致小官庄铁矿进路围岩破坏的一个主要原因。     

Calculation of surface settlements caused by EPBM tunneling using artificial neural network, SVM, and Gaussian processes

Increasing demand on infrastructures increases attention to shallow soft ground tunneling methods in urbanized areas. Especially in metro tunnel excavations, due to their large diameters, it is important to control the surface settlements observed before and after excavation, which may cause damage to surface structures. In order to solve this problem, earth pressure balance machines (EPBM) and slurry balance machines have been widely used throughout the world. There are numerous empirical, analytical, and numerical analysis methods that can be used to predict surface settlements. But substantially fewer approaches have been developed for artificial neural network-based prediction methods especially in EPBM tunneling. In this study, 18 different parameters have been collected by municipal authorities from field studies pertaining to EPBM operation factors, tunnel geometric properties, and ground properties. The data source has a preprocess phase for the selection of the most effective parameters for surface settlement prediction. This paper focuses on surface settlement prediction using three different methods: artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and Gaussian processes (GP). The success of the study has decreased the error rate to 13, 12.8, and 9, respectively, which is relatively better than contemporary research.     

低地应力区地下洞室围岩压力计算方法及应用

以西北某市水利工程地下洞室泄洪洞等为例,对低地应力区地下洞室围岩压力计算方法与应用进行了研究。研究认为,低地应力区地下洞室围岩压力可分为拱顶横向拉张塌落型、侧壁切向挤压滑落型和洞周自重掉落石块型三种破坏类型产生的围岩压力,并讨论了低地应力区地下洞室围岩压力的计算公式。以研究区引水洞为例,分别计算了拱顶围岩整体滑落和侧壁围岩整体滑落型围岩压力。该项研究成果,它将有利于进一步研究低地应力区洞室围岩稳定性与相应稳定性措施的实施,有助于工程的顺利进行。     

An intelligent approach to prediction and control ground vibration in mines

Drilling and Blasting are still considered to be the most economical method for rock excavation either on surface or underground. The explosive energy, which breaks the rockmass, is not fully utilized for this purpose. Only 20–30% of explosive energy is utilized for fragmenting the rockmass and the rest wasted away in the form of ground vibration, air blast, noise, fly rock, back breaks, etc. Among them, ground vibration is considered to have the most damaging effect. A number of predictor equations have been proposed by various researchers to predict ground vibration prior to blasting. Still, it is difficult to recommend any one predictor for a particular ground condition because ground vibration is influenced by a number of parameters. These parameters are either controllable or non-controllable like blast geometry, explosive types, rock strength properties, joints patterns, etc. In the present paper, an attempt has been made to predict the ground vibration using an Artificial Neural Network incorporating large number of parameters, which affect the ground vibration. Results are also compared with the values obtained from regression analysis and observed field data sets. Finally, it is found that the neural network approach is more accurate and able to predict the value of blast vibration without increasing error with increasing number of inputs and non-linearity among these.