Tunnel excavation method

Abstract

To suppress any deterioration in workability during tunnel excavation.SOLUTION: A tunnel excavation method for using an excavator to form a lattice tunnel including a perimeter tunnel, a drift tunnel provided inside the perimeter tunnel, and a cross-cut tunnel provided inside the perimeter tunnel so as to intersect with the drift tunnel, includes: excavating an excavation target with the excavator in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction to form a part of the perimeter tunnel; and excavating the excavation target so as to reach an existing tunnel consisting of a part of the formed perimeter tunnel, to form at least one of the drift tunnel and the cross-cut tunnel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tunnel excavation method. [Background technology]

[0002] As an underground mining method, the block caving method as disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 151583 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When ore is mined based on the block caving method, a lattice tunnel is formed in a rock mass using an excavator. The excavator advances while excavating the rock mass so as to form a part of the lattice tunnel. The excavator retreats along the tunnel just formed, and then advances while excavating the rock mass again so as to form another part of the lattice tunnel. The excavator forms the lattice tunnel by repeating the advancement and retreat. If the work procedure when forming the lattice tunnel is inappropriate, the workability of the tunnel excavation may be reduced.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to suppress any deterioration in workability in tunnel excavation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a tunnel excavation method for using an excavator to form a lattice tunnel including a perimeter tunnel, a drift tunnel provided inside the perimeter tunnel, and a cross-cut tunnel provided inside the perimeter tunnel so as to intersect with the drift tunnel, the tunnel excavation method including: excavating an excavation target with the excavator in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction to form part of the perimeter tunnel; and excavating the excavation target so as to reach an existing tunnel consisting of part of the formed perimeter tunnel, to form at least one of the drift tunnel and the cross-cut tunnel. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the deterioration of workability in tunnel excavation is suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view that illustrates a schematic diagram of an excavator according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view that illustrates a cutter head according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a reinforced tunnel according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a lattice-like tunnel according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a work procedure generating device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for forming a lattice-shaped tunnel according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of the work for forming the lattice-patterned tunnel according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the second cross cut is connected to the first portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second cross cut is connected to the first portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of the work for forming the lattice tunnel according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a new tunnel is not connected to an existing tunnel. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a procedure for forming a lattice-shaped tunnel according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. The components of the embodiments described below can be appropriately combined. In addition, some components may not be used.

[0010] [Excavator] FIG. 1 is a top view showing a schematic diagram of an excavator 1 according to an embodiment. The excavator 1 is a tunnel boring machine (TBM). The excavator 1 excavates an excavation target in order to form a tunnel. In the embodiment, the excavator 1 excavates a rock mass as the excavation target in order to form a tunnel underground. The excavator 1 can form a tunnel underground by advancing while excavating the rock mass.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the excavator 1 includes a forward section 2, a rear section 3, a thrust jack 4, and a trailer section 5. The forward section 2 includes a forward body 6, a cutter head 7, and a forward gripper 8. The rear section 3 includes a rear body 13 and a rear gripper 14. The trailer section 5 includes a main beam 15 and a trailing bogie 16.

[0012] 2 is a perspective view showing a cutter head 7 according to an embodiment. The cutter head 7 is disposed at the front end of the excavator 1. The cutter head 7 is rotatably supported by the front body 6. The cutter head 7 rotates about a central axis CX of the front body 2. The central axis CX extends in the front-rear direction of the front body 2. The central axis CX passes through the center of the cutter head 7.

[0013] The cutter head 7 has a cutter body 9, a disc cutter 10 supported by the cutter body 9, an outer plate 11 arranged on the periphery of the cutter body 9, and a scraper 12 arranged on the periphery of the cutter body 9.

[0014] The cutter body 9 is substantially disk-shaped. The cutter body 9 is rotatably supported by the front body 6. A rotation motor (not shown) connected to the cutter body 9 is disposed in the front body 6. The cutter body 9 rotates about a central axis CX by a rotational force generated by the rotation motor.

[0015] The disc cutter 10 excavates the rock. The disc cutter 10 is supported by a cutter body 9. A plurality of disc cutters 10 are provided on the cutter body 9. The cutter body 9 rotates about a rotation axis CX, whereby the plurality of disc cutters 10 excavate the rock.

[0016] The outer plate 11 prevents the rock material crushed by the disc cutter 10 from being transferred from the peripheral portion of the cutter head 7 to the rear of the cutter head 7. The outer plate 11 is annular. The outer plate 11 is fixed to the peripheral portion of the cutter body 9. In the radial direction of the central axis CX, the outer plate 11 protrudes outward beyond the outer end portion of the cutter body 9. The outer plate 11 is detachable from the cutter body 9.

[0017] The scraper 12 picks up the rock crushed by the disc cutter 10. A plurality of scrapers 12 are arranged at intervals on the periphery of the cutter body 9. The scrapers 12 are fixed to the periphery of the cutter body 9. In the radial direction of the central axis CX, the scrapers 12 protrude outward from the outer end of the cutter body 9. The scrapers 12 are detachable from the cutter body 9. The rock crushed by the disc cutter 10 is piled up on the ground below the cutter body 9. As the cutter body 9 rotates, the scrapers 12 pick up the crushed material piled up on the ground. A belt conveyor 18 is arranged behind the cutter body 9. The crushed material picked up by the scrapers 12 is supplied to the belt conveyor 18. The belt conveyor 18 transports the crushed material to the rear of the excavator 1.

[0018] The front gripper 8 is movably supported by the front body 6. A plurality of front grippers 8 are arranged around the front body 6. A plurality of front grippers 8 are arranged around the central axis CX. A hydraulic cylinder (not shown) connected to the front gripper 8 is arranged in the front body 6. The front gripper 8 moves in the radial direction of the central axis CX by the driving force generated by the hydraulic cylinder arranged in the front body 6.

[0019] The thrust jack 4 is disposed between the forward section 2 and the rear section 3. The forward body 6 of the forward section 2 and the rear body 13 of the rear section 3 are connected via the thrust jack 4. The thrust jack 4 is a hydraulic cylinder. Multiple thrust jacks 4 are provided. The thrust jacks 4 operate to change the relative positions of the forward section 2 and the rear section 3 in the fore-and-aft direction. As the thrust jacks 4 extend, the forward section 2 moves forward relative to the rear section 3. As the thrust jacks 4 operate so that the extension amounts of the multiple thrust jacks 4 differ from one another, the orientation of the forward section 2 relative to the rear section 3 changes.

[0020] The rear gripper 14 is movably supported by the rear body 13. A plurality of rear grippers 14 are arranged around the rear body 13. A plurality of rear grippers 14 are arranged around the central axis CX. A hydraulic cylinder (not shown) connected to the rear gripper 14 is arranged in the rear body 13. The rear gripper 14 moves in the radial direction of the central axis CX by a driving force generated by the hydraulic cylinder arranged in the rear body 13.

[0021] At least a part of the main beam 15 is disposed rearward of the rear fuselage 3. The trailing bogie 16 is connected to the rear of the main beam 15. The trailing bogie 16 is connected to the rear of the main beam 15. The trailer section 5 and the trailing bogie 16 are towed by the forward fuselage 2. The front part of the main beam 15 is connected to the forward body 6 of the forward fuselage 2. A through hole is provided in the rear body 13. At least a part of the main beam 15 is disposed in the through hole of the rear body 13. The front part of the main beam 15 is connected to the forward body 6 via the rear body 13. Workers can board the working space 15A of the main beam 15 to perform work. The trailing bogie 16 is equipped with equipment such as an engine, hydraulic equipment, a generator, concrete spraying equipment, a water tank, and a controller.

[0022] Rails 17 are laid in the tunnel. When the excavator 1 moves forward to excavate the excavation target, the trailing cart 16 moves forward along the rails 17. When the excavator 1 moves backward, the excavator 1 including the front body 2, the rear body, the thrust jack 4, and the trailer part 5 moves backward along the rails 17. The trailing cart 16 has wheels capable of running on the rails 17. The trailing cart 16 moves along the rails 17. Note that the excavator 1 does not have to move along the rails. Tires may be attached to the excavator 1. The excavator 1 may move by rotating the tires. The belt conveyor 18 is supported by the trailing cart 16. The front part of the belt conveyor 18 is disposed in the front body 2. The rear part of the belt conveyor 18 is disposed in the rear part of the trailing cart 16. The crushed material dropped by the scraper 12 to the front part of the belt conveyor 18 is transported to the rear part of the belt conveyor 18. The belt conveyor 18 supplies the pulverized material to a transport vehicle 50 arranged behind the excavator 1. After the pulverized material is loaded onto the bed of the transport vehicle 50, the transport vehicle 50 transports the pulverized material to a predetermined soil discharge position.

[0023] When excavating rock, the rear gripper 14 moves radially outward and is pressed against the inner wall of the tunnel being formed. The rear gripper 14 is pressed against the inner wall of the tunnel, thereby fixing the rear body section 3 to the inner wall of the tunnel. After the rear gripper 14 moves radially outward so that the rear body section 3 is fixed to the inner wall of the tunnel, the front gripper 8 moves radially inward so as to move away from the inner wall of the tunnel. With the rear body section 3 fixed to the inner wall of the tunnel, the thrust jack 4 extends while the cutter head 7 rotates, thereby excavating the rock. The cutter head 7 excavates the rock as it moves forward.

[0024] After the thrust jacks 4 are fully extended, the front grippers 8 move radially outward and are pressed against the inner wall of the tunnel being formed. The front grippers 8 are pressed against the inner wall of the tunnel, thereby fixing the forward trunk section 2 to the inner wall of the tunnel. After the front grippers 8 move radially outward so as to fix the forward trunk section 2 to the inner wall of the tunnel, the rear grippers 14 move radially inward so as to move away from the inner wall of the tunnel. With the forward trunk section 2 fixed to the inner wall of the tunnel, the thrust jacks 4 retract, causing the forward trunk section 2 and the trailer section 5 including the main beam 15 and the trailing bogie 16 to move forward.

[0025] After the rear section 3 and trailer section 5 move forward, the rear gripper 14 moves radially outward so that the rear section 3 is fixed to the inner wall of the tunnel, and the front gripper 8 moves radially inward so as to move away from the inner wall of the tunnel. With the rear section 3 fixed to the inner wall of the tunnel, the thrust jack 4 extends while the cutter head 7 rotates, thereby excavating the rock. The cutter head 7 excavates the rock as it moves forward. By repeating the above-mentioned operations, the rock is excavated little by little, and the formation of the tunnel progresses.

[0026] A worker riding on the main beam 15 performs a reinforcement work on the tunnel immediately after it is formed by the excavator 1. The reinforcement work includes the following operations: drilling holes in the inner wall of the tunnel using a drill, pouring concrete into the holes after laying a wire mesh on the inner wall surface of the tunnel, inserting a rock bolt into the hole after the concrete is poured, sealing the hole with a metal plate, and spraying liquid concrete onto the inner wall surface of the tunnel using a spray nozzle. The wire mesh laid on the inner wall surface of the tunnel is fixed to the inner wall surface by the head of the rock bolt. The liquid concrete is sprayed onto the inner wall surface of the tunnel through the wire mesh. The liquid concrete solidifies and turns into solid concrete, thereby reinforcing the tunnel.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a reinforced tunnel according to an embodiment. In FIG. 3, a dotted line Ta indicates the inner wall of the pre-reinforced tunnel immediately after it is formed by the excavator 1. The inner diameter of the pre-reinforced tunnel is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the cutter head 7. A solid line Tb indicates the inner wall of the reinforced tunnel after the reinforcement work has been performed. The inner wall of the reinforced tunnel includes a reinforcing layer 31 formed of solid concrete. By forming the reinforcing layer 31, the inner diameter of the reinforced tunnel becomes smaller than the inner diameter of the pre-reinforced tunnel.

[0028] After the reinforced tunnel is formed, the excavator 1 retreats along the reinforced tunnel. The inner diameter of the reinforced tunnel is likely to be smaller than the outer diameter of the cutter head 7. At least a part of the cutter head 7 may get caught on the inner wall of the reinforced tunnel, making it difficult for the excavator 1 to retreat along the reinforced tunnel.

[0029] Therefore, before the excavator 1 is moved backward along the reinforced tunnel, the front end of the excavator 1 is adjusted. The adjustment of the front end of the excavator 1 includes a process of reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head 7. The process of reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head 7 includes a process of removing parts from the cutter head 7. In the embodiment, the process of removing parts from the cutter head 7 includes a process of removing parts such as the disk cutter 10, the outer plate 11, and the scraper 12 arranged on the periphery of the cutter body 9 from the cutter body 9. In addition, the process of reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head 7 includes a process of moving the parts of the cutter head 7 radially inward. The process of moving the parts of the cutter head 7 radially inward includes a process of storing or laying down the parts arranged on the periphery of the cutter body 9 radially inward. In the following description, parts that are moved to reduce the outer diameter of the cutter head 7, such as the disk cutter 10, outer plate 11, and scraper 12 arranged on the periphery of the cutter body 9, will be referred to as peripheral parts as appropriate.

[0030] In the radial direction of the central axis CX, the peripheral parts protrude outward beyond the outer end of the cutter body 9. The peripheral parts are detachable from the cutter body 9. The peripheral parts are movable relative to the cutter body 9. When the peripheral parts are removed or moved from the cutter body 9, the outer diameter of the cutter head 7 is reduced. The reduced outer diameter of the cutter head 7 allows the cutter head 7 to pass through the reinforced tunnel. The reduced outer diameter of the cutter head 7 allows the excavator 1 to retreat along the reinforced tunnel.

[0031] [Grid tunnel] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a lattice tunnel 100 according to an embodiment. In the embodiment, ore is mined based on the block caving method. As shown in FIG. 4, when ore is mined based on the block caving method, a lattice tunnel 100 is formed underground using an excavator 1. After the lattice tunnel 100 is formed, the ceiling wall of the draw point of the lattice tunnel 100 is undercut and blasted. By undercutting the ceiling wall of the draw point and blasting, the ore naturally collapses and is mined.

[0032] The lattice tunnel 100 includes a rectangular outer periphery tunnel 200 , a drift tunnel 300 provided inside the outer periphery tunnel 200 , and a cross-cut tunnel 400 provided inside the outer periphery tunnel 200 so as to intersect with the drift tunnel 300 .

[0033] The outer circumferential tunnel 200 includes a first portion 201 extending in a first direction, a second portion 202 extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a third portion 203 extending in the first direction, and a fourth portion 204 extending in the second direction. As an example, the first direction is a north-south direction. The second direction is an east-west direction. The first portion 201 and the third portion 203 each extend in the north-south direction. The first portion 201 is provided east of the third portion 203. The second portion 202 and the fourth portion 204 each extend in the east-west direction. The second portion 202 is provided north of the fourth portion 204.

[0034] The northern end of the first portion 201 is connected to the eastern end of the second portion 202. The western end of the second portion 202 is connected to the northern end of the third portion 203. The southern end of the third portion 203 is connected to the western end of the fourth portion 204. The eastern end of the fourth portion 204 is connected to the southern end of the first portion 201.

[0035] The drift tunnel 300 extends in the north-south direction. A plurality of drift tunnels 300 are provided. The plurality of drift tunnels 300 are provided substantially parallel to each other. In the embodiment, four drift tunnels 300 are provided. The drift tunnels 300 include a first drift 301, a second drift 302, a third drift 303, and a fourth drift 304. In the east-west direction, the plurality of drift tunnels 300 are disposed between the first portion 201 and the third portion 203. From east to west, the first drift 301, the second drift 302, the third drift 303, and the fourth drift 304 are disposed in this order.

[0036] The southern ends of the first drift 301, the second drift 302, the third drift 303, and the fourth drift 304 are connected to the fourth portion 204. The northern ends of the first drift 301, the second drift 302, the third drift 303, and the fourth drift 304 are connected to the second portion 202.

[0037] The cross-cut tunnel 400 extends substantially in an east-west direction. In the embodiment, the cross-cut tunnel 400 inclines northward toward the east. A plurality of cross-cut tunnels 400 are provided. The plurality of cross-cut tunnels 400 are provided substantially parallel to each other. In the embodiment, twelve cross-cut tunnels 400 are provided. The cross-cut tunnels 400 include a first cross-cut 401, a second cross-cut 402, a third cross-cut 403, a fourth cross-cut 404, a fifth cross-cut 405, a sixth cross-cut 406, a seventh cross-cut 407, an eighth cross-cut 408, a ninth cross-cut 409, a tenth cross-cut 410, an eleventh cross-cut 411, and a twelfth cross-cut 412. In the north-south direction, the plurality of cross-cut tunnels 400 are disposed between the second portion 202 and the fourth portion 204. Arranged from south to north are a first cross cut 401, a second cross cut 402, a third cross cut 403, a fourth cross cut 404, a fifth cross cut 405, a sixth cross cut 406, a seventh cross cut 407, an eighth cross cut 408, a ninth cross cut 409, a tenth cross cut 410, an eleventh cross cut 411, and a twelfth cross cut 412 in that order.

[0038] The west end of the first crosscut 401 is connected to the first drift 301. The west end of the second crosscut 402 is connected to the second drift 302. The west end of the third crosscut 403 is connected to the third drift 303. The west end of the fourth crosscut 404 is connected to the fourth drift 304. The east ends of each of the first crosscut 401, the second crosscut 402, the third crosscut 403, and the fourth crosscut 404 are connected to the first portion 201.

[0039] A western end of each of the fifth crosscut 405, the sixth crosscut 406, the seventh crosscut 407, and the eighth crosscut 408 is connected to the third portion 203. An eastern end of each of the fifth crosscut 405, the sixth crosscut 406, the seventh crosscut 407, and the eighth crosscut 408 is connected to the first portion 201.

[0040] The west ends of the ninth cross cut 409, the tenth cross cut 410, the eleventh cross cut 411, and the twelfth cross cut 412 are connected to the third portion 203. The east end of the ninth cross cut 409 is connected to the first drift 301. The east end of the tenth cross cut 410 is connected to the second drift 302. The east end of the eleventh cross cut 411 is connected to the third drift 303. The east end of the twelfth cross cut 412 is connected to the fourth drift 304.

[0041] A mining area 500 in which minerals are mined is defined inside the perimeter tunnel 200. The mining area 500 and the perimeter tunnel 200 do not overlap. The mining area 500 and at least a portion of the drift tunnel 300 overlap. The mining area 500 and at least a portion of the cross-cut tunnel 400 overlap.

[0042] [Work procedure generation device] 5 is a block diagram showing a work procedure generation device 20 according to an embodiment. The work procedure generation device 20 generates a work procedure for forming the lattice-like tunnel 100. If the work procedure for forming the lattice-like tunnel 100 is inappropriate, the workability of the tunnel excavation may decrease. The work procedure generation device 20 generates a work procedure for forming the lattice-like tunnel 100 so as to suppress a decrease in the workability of the tunnel excavation.

[0043] The work procedure generating device 20 includes a computer system 1000. The work procedure generating device 20 includes a processor 1001 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory 1002 including a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage 1003, and an interface 1004 including an input / output circuit. The functions of the work procedure generating device 20 are stored in the storage 1003 as a computer program. The processor 1001 reads the computer program from the storage 1003 and expands it in the main memory 1002, and generates a work procedure for forming the lattice tunnel 100 according to the computer program. The computer program may be distributed to the computer system 1000 via a network.

[0044] [Tunnel excavation method] Next, a tunnel excavation method according to the embodiment will be described. Each of Figures 6 and 7 is a diagram for explaining the procedure of work when forming the lattice-like tunnel 100 according to the embodiment.

[0045] In the embodiment, the work procedure generation device 20 generates a work procedure for forming the lattice-patterned tunnel 100 so that after a part of the outer periphery tunnel 200 is formed, at least one of the drift tunnel 300 and the crosscut tunnel 400 is connected to the part of the outer periphery tunnel 200 that has been formed. The work procedure generation device 20 generates a work procedure so that an end of a new tunnel, which is a tunnel to be newly formed, is connected to a middle part of an existing tunnel, which is a tunnel that has already been formed. In other words, the work procedure generation device 20 generates a work procedure so that the new tunnel is connected to the existing tunnel from the side of the existing tunnel. The excavator 1 excavates the rock mass based on the work procedure generated by the work procedure generation device 20.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 6, the excavator 1 excavates the rock mass, which is the excavation target, in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction to form a part of the outer periphery tunnel 200. As shown by arrow S1 in Fig. 6, the excavator 1 excavates the rock mass so as to form a first portion 201 and a second portion 202 of the outer periphery tunnel 200. After the excavator 1 advances north while excavating the rock mass to form the first portion 201, it changes course to the west at the northern end of the first portion 201 and advances west while excavating the rock mass to form the second portion 202.

[0047] After the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 of the outer perimeter tunnel 200 are formed, the excavator 1 retreats along the second portion 202 and the first portion 201 to the southern end of the first portion 201. After returning to the southern end of the first portion 201, the excavator 1 starts excavation to form the drift tunnel 300 and the crosscut tunnel 400.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 7, the excavator 1 excavates the rock mass so as to reach an existing tunnel consisting of a part of the already formed outer periphery tunnel 200, and forms at least one of a drift tunnel 300 and a crosscut tunnel 400. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the existing tunnel is the first portion 201 and the second portion 202 of the outer periphery tunnel 200. The excavator 1 excavates the rock mass so as to reach the first portion 201 and the second portion 202, which are the existing tunnel.

[0049] In the embodiment, as shown by the arrow S2 in Fig. 7, the excavator 1 excavates the rock mass so as to form a first drift 301 connected to the second portion 202 and a second crosscut 402 connected to the first portion 201. The excavator 1 advances westward while excavating the rock mass from the southern end of the first portion 201 to form part of the fourth portion 204, then changes course northward and advances northward while excavating the rock mass to form the first drift 301. The northern end of the first drift 301 is connected to the second portion 202.

[0050] After the first drift 301 is formed, the excavator 1 retreats along the first drift 301 and returns to the vicinity of the southern end of the first drift 301. After returning to the vicinity of the southern end of the first drift 301, the excavator 1 changes course to the east (northeast) and advances east (northeast) while excavating the bedrock to form the second crosscut 402. The eastern end of the second crosscut 402 connects to the first portion 201.

[0051] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second crosscut 402 is connected to the first portion 201 according to the embodiment. As shown by the arrow S2 in FIG. 7, the excavator 1 excavates the rock mass to reach the first portion 201, which is the existing tunnel, and forms the second crosscut 402. The second crosscut 402 is a new tunnel formed after the first portion 201. The second crosscut 402 is connected to the first portion 201 from the side of the first portion 201. After the eastern end of the second crosscut 402, which is the new tunnel, is connected to the first portion 201, which is the existing tunnel, the excavator 1 is stopped. As shown in FIG. 8, a worker can approach the front end of the excavator 1 from the first portion 201, which is the existing tunnel. The transport vehicle 70 can enter the second crosscut 402 from the first portion 201. A predetermined operation is performed in order for the excavator 1 to move backward. The transport vehicle 70 transports, for example, a worker or a work tool required for the operation in order for the excavator 1 to move backward. An electric cable 61 is arranged in the first portion 201, and a lighting device 60 is connected to the electric cable 61. The front end of the excavator 1 is illuminated by the lighting device 60 arranged in the first portion 201.

[0052] The worker can approach the front end of the excavator 1 from the first portion 201 and adjust the front end of the excavator 1. The adjustment of the front end of the excavator 1 includes maintenance of the front end of the excavator 1. The adjustment of the front end of the excavator 1 includes a process of attaching parts to the front end of the excavator 1. The adjustment of the front end of the excavator 1 includes a process of removing parts from the front end of the excavator 1. The adjustment of the front end of the excavator 1 includes a process of reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head 7 arranged at the front end of the excavator 1. The process of reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head 7 includes one or both of a process of removing parts from the cutter head 7 and a process of moving the parts of the cutter head 7 radially inward. The lighting device 60 illuminates the front end of the excavator 1 and the first portion 201 and the second cross cut 402 around the front end of the excavator 1, thereby improving the workability of the work of adjusting the front end of the excavator 1. In addition, the work space is larger than when working in a dead end, so that the workability is improved.

[0053] In adjusting the front end of the excavator 1, the worker may adjust the front end of the excavator 1 by approaching it from the first portion 201, and may also adjust the front end of the excavator 1 by approaching it from behind the front end of the excavator 1. In other words, the worker may adjust the front end of the excavator 1 from both in front of and behind the front end of the excavator 1.

[0054] 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second crosscut 402 is connected to the first portion 201 according to the embodiment. Reinforcement work is carried out on the second crosscut 402, which is a new tunnel immediately after it is formed by the excavator 1. As shown in FIG. 9, a reinforcing layer 31 is formed on the inner wall of the second crosscut 402.

[0055] After the second cross cut 402 is formed so as to connect to the first portion 201, the excavator 1 retreats along the second cross cut 402. The inner diameter of the second cross cut 402 is reduced by the reinforcing layer 31. Before the excavator 1 retreats along the second cross cut 402, a process for reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head 7 is performed. As described above, the process for reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head 7 includes one or both of a process for removing parts from the cutter head 7 and a process for moving the parts of the cutter head 7 radially inward. The process for removing parts from the cutter head 7 includes a process for removing peripheral parts from the cutter body 9. The process for moving the parts of the cutter head 7 radially inward includes a process for storing or laying the peripheral parts radially inward. After the front end of the second cross cut 402, which is the new tunnel, is connected to the first portion 201, which is the existing tunnel, the excavator 1 is stopped. With the excavator 1 stopped, the process of reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head 7 is carried out from the first portion 201 side. That is, with the excavator 1 stopped, the process of reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head 7 is carried out from the front side of the cutter head 7. Since the front end of the second crosscut 402 is connected to the first portion 201, which is the existing tunnel, the worker can approach the cutter head 7 from the first portion 201 and smoothly carry out the process of reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head 7.

[0056] The outer diameter of the cutter head 7 is reduced by removing the peripheral parts from the cutter body 9 or by moving them radially inward. The reduced outer diameter of the cutter head 7 allows the cutter head 7 to pass through the second crosscut 402 where the reinforcing layer 31 is formed. The reduced outer diameter of the cutter head 7 allows the excavator 1 to retreat along the second crosscut 402, which is the new tunnel.

[0057] Also, after the excavator 1 retreats, the worker can approach the second crosscut 402 from the first portion 201 and form a reinforcing layer 32 on the inner wall of the second crosscut 402 in a predetermined range including the front end of the second crosscut 402.

[0058] In the embodiment, the north end of the first drift 301, which is a new tunnel, is connected to the second part 202, which is an existing tunnel. Therefore, when the excavator 1 that formed the first drift 301 retreats the first drift 301, an operator can approach the front end of the excavator 1 from the second part 202 to adjust the front end of the excavator 1 or form the reinforcing layer 32 at the north end of the inner wall of the first drift 301.

[0059] The excavator 1 excavates the rock mass to reach the first portion 201 and the second portion 202, which are the existing tunnels, and sequentially forms the drift tunnel 300 and the crosscut tunnel 400. As described with reference to Fig. 7, the excavator 1 advances while excavating the rock mass along the arrow S2, thereby forming the first drift 301 and the second crosscut 402. After the first drift 301 and the second crosscut 402 are formed, the excavator 1 retreats to the southern end of the first drift 301.

[0060] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for forming a lattice-shaped tunnel according to the embodiment. After retreating to the southern end of the first drift 301, the excavator 1 advances along the arrow S3 in FIG. 10 while excavating the rock. The excavator 1 advances along the arrow S3 while excavating the rock, thereby forming the second drift 302 and the third crosscut 403. After forming the second drift 302, for example, the excavator 1 retreats to the vicinity of the southern end of the second drift 302, and advances eastward (northeastward) while excavating the rock so that the third crosscut 403 is formed. The northern end of the second drift 302 is connected to the second portion 202. The eastern end of the third crosscut 403 is connected to the first portion 201. After the second drift 302 and the third crosscut 403 are formed, the excavator 1 retreats to the southern end of the second drift 302.

[0061] Because the northern end of the second drift 302 connects to the second portion 202, when the excavator 1 retreats along the second drift 302, an operator can approach the front end of the excavator 1 from the second portion 202. Because the eastern end of the third crosscut 403 connects to the first portion 201, when the excavator 1 retreats along the third crosscut 403, an operator can approach the front end of the excavator 1 from the first portion 201.

[0062] After retreating to the southern end of the second drift 302, the excavator 1 advances along the arrow S4 in FIG. 10 while excavating the rock. The excavator 1 advances along the arrow S4 while excavating the rock, thereby forming the third drift 303 and the fourth crosscut 404. For example, after forming the third drift 303, the excavator 1 retreats to the vicinity of the southern end of the third drift 303, and advances eastward (northeastward) while excavating the rock so as to form the fourth crosscut 404. The northern end of the third drift 303 is connected to the second portion 202, which is the existing tunnel. The eastern end of the fourth crosscut 404 is connected to the first portion 201, which is the existing tunnel. After the third drift 303 and the fourth crosscut 404 are formed, the excavator 1 retreats to the southern end of the third drift 303.

[0063] After retreating to the southern end of the third drift 303, the excavator 1 advances along the arrow S5 in FIG. 10 while excavating the rock. The excavator 1 advances along the arrow S5 while excavating the rock, forming the fourth drift 304, the fifth crosscut 405, the seventh crosscut 407, the ninth crosscut 409, and the eleventh crosscut 411. After forming, for example, the fourth drift 304, the excavator 1 retreats to the vicinity of the southern end of the fourth drift 304, and advances eastward (northeastward) while excavating the rock so as to form, for example, the fifth crosscut 405. After forming the fifth crosscut 405, the excavator 1 repeats forward and backward movements so as to sequentially form the seventh crosscut 407, the ninth crosscut 409, and the eleventh crosscut 411. The northern end of the fourth drift 304 is connected to the second portion 202, which is an existing tunnel. The eastern ends of the fifth crosscut 405 and the seventh crosscut 407 connect to the first portion 201, which is the existing tunnel. The eastern end of the ninth crosscut 409 connects to the first drift 301, which is the existing tunnel, and the eastern end of the eleventh crosscut 411 connects to the third drift 303, which is the existing tunnel. After the fourth drift 304, the fifth crosscut 405, the seventh crosscut 407, the ninth crosscut 409, and the eleventh crosscut 411 have been formed, the excavator 1 retreats to the southern end of the fourth drift 304.

[0064] After retreating to the southern end of the fourth drift 304, the excavator 1 advances along the arrow S6 in FIG. 10 while excavating the rock. The excavator 1 advances along the arrow S6 while excavating the rock, forming the third portion 203, the sixth crosscut 406, the eighth crosscut 408, the tenth crosscut 410, and the twelfth crosscut 412. After forming, for example, the third portion 203, the excavator 1 retreats to the vicinity of the southern end of the third portion 203, and advances eastward (northeastward) while excavating the rock so that, for example, the sixth crosscut 406 is formed. After forming the sixth crosscut 406, the excavator 1 repeats forward and backward movements so that the eighth crosscut 408, the tenth crosscut 410, and the twelfth crosscut 412 are formed in sequence. The northern end of the third portion 203 is connected to the second portion 202. The eastern ends of the sixth crosscut 406 and the eighth crosscut 408 are connected to the first portion 201, which is the existing tunnel. The eastern end of the tenth crosscut 410 is connected to the second drift 302, which is the existing tunnel. The eastern end of the twelfth crosscut 412 is connected to the fourth drift 304, which is the existing tunnel. After the third portion 203, the sixth crosscut 406, the eighth crosscut 408, the tenth crosscut 410, and the twelfth crosscut 412 are formed, the excavator 1 retreats to the southern end of the third portion 203.

[0065] After retreating to the southern end of the third portion 203, the excavator 1 sequentially excavates the unexcavated portion Sm indicated by the dotted line. By excavating the unexcavated portion Sm, the lattice tunnel 100 is formed. After the lattice tunnel 100 is formed, the excavator 1 advances along the arrow S7 in FIG. 8 and retreats from the lattice tunnel 100.

[0066] [effect] As described above, according to the embodiment, after the first part 201 and the second part 202 of the outer circumferential tunnel 200 are formed as the existing tunnel, the excavator 1 excavates the rock so as to connect to the existing tunnel in order to form at least a part of the drift tunnel 300 and the cross-cut tunnel 400. Since the procedure of the excavation work by the excavator 1 is determined so that the new tunnel is connected to the existing tunnel, the deterioration of the workability when forming the lattice-shaped tunnel 100 is suppressed. As described above, after the new tunnel is formed, the process of adjusting the front end of the excavator 1 is performed before the excavator 1 is moved backward. In the embodiment, the worker can approach the cutter head 7 from the first part 201 and smoothly perform the process of adjusting the front end of the excavator 1, so the workability of the work of adjusting the front end of the excavator 1 is improved. Since the procedure of the excavation work by the excavator 1 is determined so that the front end of the new tunnel is connected to the existing tunnel at many points, the workability when forming the lattice-shaped tunnel 100 is suppressed. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the work space is larger than when working in a dead end, so the workability is improved.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a new tunnel (tunnel before reinforcement) is not connected to an existing tunnel. As described above, after the new tunnel is formed, a process of removing peripheral parts from the cutter body 9 is performed in order to move the excavator 1 backward. As shown in FIG. 11, when the new tunnel (tunnel before reinforcement) is not connected to the existing tunnel, that is, when the front end of the new tunnel is a dead end (cul-de-sac), the process of removing peripheral parts from the cutter body 9 becomes difficult. That is, when the front end of the new tunnel is a dead end, since there is a rock mass in front of and around the cutter head 7, it is difficult for the worker to approach the front end of the excavator 1 or adjust the front end of the excavator 1. When the front end of the new tunnel is a dead end, the worker needs to perform the work of removing peripheral parts from the rear of the cutter head 7, or to perform the work of removing peripheral parts after moving from the rear of the cutter head 7 to the front of the cutter head 7. When removing peripheral parts from the rear of the cutter head 7, the workability decreases due to insufficient work space. As shown in FIG. 11, when removing peripheral parts after moving from the rear of the cutter head 7 to the front of the cutter head 7, the workability is reduced because of the dead end and insufficient lighting. In addition, work is required to prevent the front end of the new tunnel from collapsing, which reduces the workability. In addition, the reinforcement work is performed by a worker riding on the main beam 15. Therefore, it is difficult for the worker to perform reinforcement work on the inner wall of the new tunnel (tunnel before reinforcement) ahead of the main beam 15. In forming the lattice tunnel 100, if there are many places where the front end of the new tunnel is a dead end (dead end), the workability is reduced when forming the lattice tunnel 100.

[0068] In the embodiment, the procedure of excavation work by the excavator 1 is determined so that the new tunnel is connected to the existing tunnel. That is, when forming the lattice-shaped tunnel 100, the procedure of excavation work by the excavator 1 is determined so that the number of places where the front end of the new tunnel is connected to the existing tunnel is increased and the number of places where the new tunnel is a dead end (cul-de-sac) is reduced. By increasing the number of places where the front end of the new tunnel is connected to the existing tunnel, the decrease in the workability of tunnel excavation when forming the lattice-shaped tunnel 100 is suppressed. According to the embodiment, as described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9, the worker can approach the front end of the excavator 1 from the existing tunnel or adjust the front end of the excavator 1. The front end of the excavator 1 is adjusted from the existing tunnel.

[0069] [Another embodiment] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the procedure when forming a lattice-shaped tunnel according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the excavator 1 may advance while excavating as shown by the arrow S1 to form a part of the lattice-shaped tunnel 100, then advance while excavating as shown by the arrow S2 to form a part of the lattice-shaped tunnel 100, and then advance while excavating as shown by the arrows S3, S4, S5, and S6 to sequentially form a part of the lattice-shaped tunnel 100. Even in the example shown in FIG. 12, there are few places where the front end of the new tunnel becomes a dead end (cul-de-sac), so that the deterioration of workability when forming the lattice-shaped tunnel 100 is suppressed. The worker can approach the front end of the excavator 1 that exists in the new tunnel from the existing tunnel and adjust the front end of the excavator 1.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, an operator approaches the front end of the excavator 1 that is located from the existing tunnel to the new tunnel and adjusts the front end of the excavator 1. In the above-described embodiment, an adjustment robot may approach the front end of the excavator 1 that is located from the existing tunnel to the new tunnel and adjust the front end of the excavator 1.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the outer periphery tunnel 200 is rectangular. The outer periphery tunnel 200 does not have to be rectangular. The outer periphery tunnel 200 may have five or more corners. The outer periphery tunnel 200 may be, for example, elliptical. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...Excavator, 2...Front body, 3...Rear body, 4...Thrust jack, 5...Trailer section, 6...Front body, 7...Cutter head, 8...Front gripper, 9...Cutter body, 10...Disc cutter, 11...Outer plate, 12...Scraper, 13...Rear body, 14...Rear gripper, 15...Main beam, 15A...Work space, 16...Trailer car, 17...Rail, 18...Conveyor belt A, 20...work procedure generating device, 31...reinforcement layer, 32...reinforcement layer, 50...transport vehicle, 60...lighting device, 61...electric cable, 70...transport vehicle, 100...lattice tunnel, 200...periphery tunnel, 201...first part, 202...second part, 203...third part, 204...fourth part, 300...drift tunnel, 301...first drift, 302...second drift, 303...third drift ft, 304...fourth drift, 400...crosscut tunnel, 401...first crosscut, 402...second crosscut, 403...third crosscut, 404...fourth crosscut, 405...fifth crosscut, 406...sixth crosscut, 407...seventh crosscut, 408...eighth crosscut, 409...ninth crosscut, 410...tenth crosscut, 411...eleventh crosscut, 412...twelfth crosscut, 500...mining area, 1000...computer system, 1001...processor, 1002...main memory, 1003...storage, 1004...interface, S1...arrow, S2...arrow, S3...arrow, S4...arrow, S5...arrow, S6...arrow, S7...arrow, Sm...unexcavated portion, Ta...line, Tb...line.

Claims

1. A tunnel excavation method for forming a lattice-shaped tunnel including an outer periphery tunnel, a drift tunnel provided inside the outer periphery tunnel, and a cross-cut tunnel provided inside the outer periphery tunnel so as to intersect with the drift tunnel, using an excavator, comprising: Excavating the excavation target in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction with the excavator to form a part of the outer periphery tunnel; and excavating the excavation target so as to reach an existing tunnel consisting of a part of the formed outer circumferential tunnel, thereby forming at least one of the drift tunnel and the crosscut tunnel. Tunnel excavation methods.

2. Stopping the excavator after an end of a new tunnel including at least one of the drift tunnel and the crosscut tunnel is connected to the existing tunnel; and reversing the excavator along the new tunnel after the front end of the excavator has been adjusted from the existing tunnel. A tunnel excavation method according to claim 1.

3. the excavator having a cutter head disposed at a front end of the excavator; Adjusting the front end of the excavator includes reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head. A tunnel excavation method according to claim 2.

4. Adjusting the front end of the excavator includes removing parts from the cutter head. A tunnel excavation method according to claim 3.

5. A tunnel excavation method for forming a lattice tunnel using an excavator, comprising the steps of: Excavating the excavation target using an excavator so as to form a first tunnel; excavating the excavation target such that after the first tunnel is formed, a second tunnel connected to the first tunnel is formed; stopping the excavator after an end of the second tunnel is connected to the first tunnel; After the excavator has stopped, approaching the front end of the excavator from the first tunnel to adjust the front end of the excavator; and reversing the excavator along the second tunnel after the front end of the excavator has been adjusted. Tunnel excavation methods.

6. the excavator having a cutter head disposed at a front end of the excavator; Adjusting the front end of the excavator includes reducing the outer diameter of the cutter head. A tunnel excavation method according to claim 5.

7. Adjusting the front end of the excavator includes removing parts from the cutter head. A tunnel excavation method according to claim 6.

8. and forming a reinforcing layer on an inner wall of the second tunnel in a predetermined range including a front end of the second tunnel after the excavator is retracted along the second tunnel. A tunnel excavation method according to claim 5.

9. In adjusting the front end of the excavator, the front end of the excavator is illuminated by a lighting device arranged in the first tunnel. A tunnel excavation method according to claim 5.

10. In adjusting the front end of the excavator, the front end of the excavator is adjusted by approaching the front end of the excavator from the first tunnel, and the front end of the excavator is adjusted by approaching the front end of the excavator from a position rearward of the front end of the excavator. A tunnel excavation method according to claim 5.

11. The second tunnel is connected to the first tunnel from a side of the first tunnel. A tunnel excavation method according to claim 5.

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