The first step in mining activities is rock excavation in both mine development and production. Constant pressure for cost reduction and creating an improved/safe work environment for personnel has naturally resulted in increased use of mechanical excavation systems in many mining operations. Also, mechanical excavation and mining is more compatible with automation, meaning possibility of reduc...

During tunneling processes, disc cutters of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) usually need to be frequently and unexpectedly replaced. Regular inspections are needed check cutters’ status, which significantly reduces the work efficiency increases cost. This paper proposes new prediction model based on TBM operational parameters geological conditions that determines whether cutter replacement is nee...

Abstract With the knowledge of geology in front a tunnel, excavation process can be optimized to avoid damage at tunnel boring machine and settlements on surface. Therefore, dwell times decreased additional expenses avoided. Transmitted seismic waves will spread, reflected refracted due geological changes. By utilizing geophones, captured information about structure extracted from measured seis...