• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.359-368
• /
• 2022

Undercutting using an actuated disc cutter (ADC) involves more complex cutting mechanism than traditional rock cutting does, requiring the application of various new cutting parameters, such as eccentricity, cutter inclination angle, and axis rotational speed. This study presents cutting-edge laboratory-scale testing equipment that allows performing ADC tests. ADC tests were carried out on a concrete block with a specified strength of 20 MPa, using a variety of cutting settings that included penetration depth (p), eccentricity (e), and linear velocity (v). ADC, unlike pick and disc cutting, has a non-linear cutting path with a dynamic cutting direction, requiring the development of a new method for predicting cutting force and specific energy. The influence of cutting parameters to the cutter forces were discussed. The ratio of eccentricity to the penetration depth (e/p) was proposed to evaluate the optimal cutting condition. Specific energy varies with e/p ratio, and exhibits optimum values in particular cases. In general, actuated undercutting may potentially give a more efficient cutting than conventional pick and disc cutting by demonstrating reasonably lower specific energy in a comparable cutting environment.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
• /
• v.30 no.6
• /
• pp.591-602
• /
• 2020

Several alternative rock-cutting concepts, which are modified from the conventional ones, have been developed lately. Of the concepts, undercutting is one of the latest technologies. In this study, as a fundamental study on the undercutting technique, the rock-cutting mechanism and important parameters of the undercutting were introduced. This study built up cutting test system for evaluating the cutting performance of an actuated undercutting disc cutter (ADC), and carried out a series of cutting tests under different cutting parameters of ADC. The characteristics of cutter forces obtained from ADC rock-cutting tests were analyzed. The both average and peak values of the three directional cutter forces were linearly increased with the increases of linear velocity, penetration depth in vertical direction and eccentricity of ADC.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.199-209
• /
• 2021

Alternative methods of rock cutting have been introduced to substitute and to improve the traditional mechanical rock excavation methods (e.g., TBM and roadheader). Undercutting methods have been recently studied in some countries. In undercutting, several additional cutting parameters are involved in its cutting process compared to the traditional rock-cutting. As a fundamental study, this paper introduces the concept of undercutting method with actuated disc, lab-scaled testing system, and testing procedures of undercutting by the system. Also, we present the calculation methods of cutter forces and specific energy, and discuss the results of undercutting tests compared to those of traditional rock-cutting methods.