Rock mechanical aspects of excavation related to raise boring machine – A typical example from Asikoy underground mine, Kastamonu, Turkey

Raise boring machines are used for excavation of shafts and other vertical structures in mining, civil, and construction projects for ventilation, service, transfer of material, and personal access. Experimental studies for determining of penetration index related to rock cutting with raise bore machines are presented. Penetration index is obtained by pushing one bit upon a rock sample under a hydraulic press in the laboratory. Borehole samples obtained from Eti Copper Kure Asikoy underground mine located in Turkey were first tested for defining some of the basic physical and mechanical properties, and then indentation test were carried out due to determine of penetration index. Excavation performance parameters of RBM such as, penetration rate, and thrust force were estimated based on experimental result of indentation tests. Then estimated parameters validated by field results to serve a useful guide for future applications.