Several factors influence disc cutter spacing on a hard rock TBM cutterhead, all aimed at optimizing rock fragmentation, cutter life, and TBM advance rate. Rock type and its properties are paramount. Stronger, more brittle rocks typically require closer cutter spacing to effectively fracture the rock between the cutter paths. Softer, more ductile rocks can tolerate wider spacing. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and tensile strength of the rock are key parameters. The fracture frequency, which describes how m....
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