Estimation of net theoretical excavation rates in concrete and sandstone

The estimation of excavation rates in specific geological and geotechnical conditions is one of the most delicate aspects for mining and geotechnical operations particularly offshore. Many models have been developed to study the effectiveness of a drilling tool in contact with the ground. In this article, the results of laboratory cutting tests on concrete specimens are shown. The comparison of the results of laboratory tests with different predictive models, helped to identify the most representative models. The models were then used to study in more detail, the effectiveness of the excavation tools through a parametric analysis. The research helped to define how to obtain rubrics, which can estimate the theoretical net cutting production of an excavation machine, when the power of its engines is known, or to evaluate, when the requested net cutting production is available, the power that the cutting machine must have. The findings were also applied to a sandstone previously investigated. The results are based on theoretical models and cannot be used on geomaterials with the same (or similar) geotechnical properties.