Mining TBM S-Curve Repositioning for Parallel Tunnel Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are not suitable for underground mining due to their long assemblies and lack of agility, limiting their effectiveness in excavating mining tunnels efficiently and safely.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a TBM to excavate a first tunnel, retracting it to install a grout plug, and then repositioning it to bore subsequent tunnels along an S-curved path to avoid overlap, allowing for parallel excavation of multiple tunnels while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional TBMs are used for underground mining, then tunnel excavation can be performed, but the long assembly and lack of agility limit efficiency and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The TBM assembly is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be separated and reconfigured. The cutterhead assembly, shield sections, and support structures are segmented to allow the machine to be broken into smaller, more manageable pieces for transport and reassembly at different locations, reducing the effective assembly length while maintaining excavation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The TBM employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where the assembly can be adjusted from a long fixed configuration during excavation to a compact or detached configuration for transport and repositioning. The shield sections and support structures can be dynamically assembled and disassembled to adapt to different operational requirements, enhancing agility without compromising tunnel excavation efficiency.
2Productivity
If multiple tunnels are excavated simultaneously, then productivity improves, but tunnel overlap and structural integrity issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The method transitions from excavating tunnels in a single plane to excavating multiple tunnels at different elevations or angles. By utilizing three-dimensional space, the TBMs can operate simultaneously on separate tunnels without their paths overlapping, maintaining structural integrity while improving productivity through parallel excavation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Grout plugs are installed in advance at strategic locations between and around the tunnels to prevent ground collapse and maintain structural integrity during simultaneous excavation operations. This preliminary action ensures that the ground support is established before the tunnels are fully excavated, preventing overlap issues and maintaining reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If grout plugs are installed between tunnels, then ground stability is maintained, but additional time and materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The grout plug installation process is merged with the tunnel excavation operations. Grout plugs are installed as part of the sequential excavation process rather than as a separate subsequent step, combining the actions of tunnel boring and ground stabilization into a single integrated operation sequence, thereby reducing overall time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The grout plugs are designed to be self-installing or automatically positioned during the excavation process, reducing the need for manual intervention and additional installation time. The system incorporates mechanisms that allow the grout plugs to be placed automatically at the required locations between tunnels, maintaining ground stability while minimizing time consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of extracting mineral ore with a tunnel boring machine can include positioning the TBM in an initial chamber adjacent to a mineral field; boring a first tunnel into the mineral field aligned with the initial chamber, while transporting muck containing the ore away from the first tunnel; and retracting the TBM out of the first tunnel and back into the initial chamber. The method can further include pouring a grout plug at a proximal end of the first tunnel, and boring a second tunnel with the TBM through the grout plug and into the mineral field laterally offset from the initial chamber. The second tunnel can be bored by advancing the TBM from the initial chamber along an S-curve path having a first curve away from the first tunnel and a second curve toward the first tunnel, after which the second tunnel is parallel with the first tunnel.