PERFORMANCE PREDICTION OF HYDRAULIC BREAKERS IN EXCAVATION OF A ROCK MASS

The demand for the usage of hydraulic rock breakers in excavating masses has increased recently environmental and economic reasons. conventional method (i.e., drill blasting technique) many restrictions due to aspects. In this paper, we propose a methodology prediction performance excavation mass. case study area is located Northwest Egypt on shoreline Mediterranean Sea. Extensive site investigation was implemented using exploration boreholes showing that majority limestone with lenses sands. Based collected properties, mapping both quality (RQD) uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) mass conducted. Such mechanical properties helps zoning grouping similar zones nearly matched properties. Due machinery availability concerns, focuses very small, medium capacity breakers. For each type breaker, calculations net breaking rate (NBR) are group challenge shall be limited time frame (only one year ≈ 300 workdays). Therefore, two scenarios light-duty applied providing number machines required specifications working days. first scenario assigned duty machines, while second concerns small general, such sequence could adopted other cases different any desired frame.