Geotechnical Risk Assessment and Optimum Selection of Roadheader in Tabas Coal Mine Tunnels

With regard to the types of risks existing in tunnels, geotechnical risks play an important role in the selection of tunneling method and machine types. Also, in order to prevent some geological and geotechnical hazards during tunneling, selecting the most appropriate tunneling machine is very important. In this research study the main geotechnical hazards of tunneling by Roadheader with their common mitigation measures were specified. At present, three Roadheaders are excavating the three drifts of the Tabas coal mine in Iran. Hence, the above drifts were used in this research study. The risk assessment matrix method in these tunnels showed that there is a lower risk of tunneling by Roadheader than utilizing the drilling and blasting method. The determined geotechnical risk assessment also showed that the transverse cutter head is more suitable in comparison to a longitudinal cutter head for such tunnels. Then by using an instantaneous cutting rate model, the cutter head power of the Roadheader was determined. According to the model, a light weight Roadheader with a cutter head power of about 80-110 Kw and 40 ton weight are suitable. Finally, the four types of manufactured Roadheaders which their specifications were similar to the determined ones were selected.