Başyukarı Delme Makinelerinin Performans Tahminine Yönelik Konik ve Buton Uçlarla Yapılan Uç Batırma Deney Verileri Arasındaki İlişkiler

The indentation test offers a method for evaluating the performance of mechanized excavation systems such as Raise Boring Machines (RBMs) and Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). Although not standardized and originally developed for determining the normal forces acting on cutters and drill bits, the method has become an essential tool for evaluating excavation performance. Conical indenters are typically used in the tests. However, real-size button inserts made of prismatic tungsten carbide with flatter surfaces are often preferred on RBM cutting tools. Some of the widely used performance prediction models currently rely on the results from indentation tests conducted with button inserts. Establishing a statistical correlation between the results of tests using conical and button indenters would allow also the conical indenters to be used in RBM performance estimations. In the present study, indentation tests are performed on five different rock samples collected from the shafts excavated by the RBMs in Türkiye. Both conical and button indenters are employed in the tests. The average slope, peak slope, average force slope and indentation work indices are derived from the force-penetration curves and their relationships are analyzed. Strong relationships are observed between the indexes obtained from both types of the indenters. Furthermore, the relationships between the conical indenter test results and the physical and mechanical properties of the rocks are also analyzed, and some notable relationships are observed.