Analysis of disc cutter replacement based on wear patterns using artificial intelligence classification models

Disc cutters, used as excavation tools for rocks in a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), naturally undergo wear during the tunneling process, involving crushing and cutting through the ground, leading to various wear types. When disc cutters reach their wear limits, they must be replaced at the appropriate time to ensure efficient excavation. General disc cutter life prediction models are typically used during the design phase to predict the total required quantity and replacement locations for construction. However, disc cutters are replaced more frequently during tunneling than initially planned. Unpredictable disc cutter replacements can easily diminish tunneling efficiency, and abnormal wear is a common cause during tunneling in complex ground conditions. This study aims to overcome the limitations of existing disc cutter life prediction models by utilizing machine data generated during tunneling to predict disc cutter wear patterns and determine the need for replacements in real-time. Artificial intelligence classification algorithms, including K-nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), and Stacking, are employed to assess the need for disc cutter replacement. Binary classification models are developed to predict which disc cutters require replacement, while multi-class classification models are fine-tuned to identify three categories: no replacement required, replacement due to normal wear, and replacement due to abnormal wear during tunneling. The performance of these models is thoroughly assessed, demonstrating that the proposed approach effectively manages disc cutter wear and replacements in shield TBM tunnel projects.