Usage of fuzzy logic method for tunnel boring machines

Performance prediction of mechanical excavation machines is vitally important to determine whether the machine is proper for the formation being excavated and to define the cost of the project before starting it. There are a number of analytical, empirical and numerical models for this aim. Many engineering and geological systems have many imprecision and uncertainties and exact solution rarely exist. Beside effects of many parameters, dealing with rock makes the estimation of cutting forces and tunnel boring machine's performance prediction problem complex. Alternative methods such as fuzzy logic have become useful to research such problems having uncertainties in recent years. Fuzzy logic approaches provides to evaluate all data without accepting precondition and depending on special conditions. Therefore, this method has found widespread application to solve problems in these systems including mechanical excavation applications In this study, models which are established by fuzzy logic method are explained to estimate the performance prediction parameters of tunnel boring machines such as specific energy, torque and thrust requirement.