TBM tunneling in extremely hard and abrasive rocks: Problems, solutions and assisting methods

Abstract

Extremely hard and abrasive rocks pose great challenges to the past and ongoing TBM projects by increasing cutter wear and reducing penetration rates. A considerable amount of research has been conducted to improve the performance of TBMs in those challenging grounds by either improving the capacity of TBMs or developing assisting rock breakage methods. This paper first highlights the challenges of hard and abrasive rocks on TBM tunneling through case studies. It then presents the development of hard rock TBMs and reviews the technologies that can be used individually or as assistance to mechanical excavators to break hard rocks. Emphases are placed on technologies of high pressure waterjet, laser and microwave. The state of the art of field and laboratory research, problems and research directions of those technologies are discussed. The assisting methods are technically feasible; however, the main challenges of using those methods in the field are that the energy consumption can be over 10 times high and that the existing equipments have robustness problems. More research should be conducted to study the overall energy consumption using TBMs and the assisting methods. Pulsed waterjet, laser and microwave technologies should also be developed to make the assistance economically viable.

Keywords

hard and abrasive rocks / tunnel boring machine / waterjet / laser / microwave

References

[1] BäpplerK. New developments in TBM tunnelling for changing grounds [J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2016, 57: 18-26

[2] HomeL. Hard rock TBM tunneling in challenging ground: Developments and lessons learned from the field [J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2016, 57: 27-32

[3] MaidlB, SchmidL, RitzW, HerrenknechtMHardrock tunnel boring machines [M], 2008, New York, Wiley

[4] LiuQ-s, HuangX, GongQ-m, DuL-j, PanY-c, LiuJ-P. Application and development of hard rock TBM and its prospect in China [J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2016, 57: 33-46

[5] BilginN, CopurH, BalciCMechanical excavation in mining and civil industries [M], 2013, Florida, USA, Taylor & Francis

[6] HomeL, AskilsrudO GDarlingP. Tunnel boring machines in mining [M]. SME Mining Engineering Handbook, 2011Third EditionUSA, SME

[7] ZhengY L, ZhangQ B, ZhaoJ. Challenges and opportunities of using tunnel boring machines in mining [J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2016, 57: 287-299

[8] BroxD. Technical considerations for the application of TBMs for mining projects [J]. Transactions of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, 2013, 334: 498-505

[9] CIGLA M, YAGIZ S, OZDEMIR L. Application of tunnel boring machines in underground mine development [C]// International Mining Congress. Ankara, Turkey, 2001: 155–164.

[10] GertschR E. Mechanical mining: Challenges and directions [J]. Mining Engineering, 1994, 46: 1250-1253

[11] RobbinsR J. Machine tunneling in the twenty-first century [J]. Tunneling and Underground Space Technology, 1987, 2(2): 147-154

[12] BarlaG, PelizzaS. TBM tunneling in difficult ground conditions [C]. GeoEng2000—An International Conference on Geotechnical & Geological Engineering, 2000, Melbourne, Australia, Technomic Publishing Co., 120

[13] GongQ-m, YinL-j, MaH-s, ZhaoJ. TBM tunnelling under adverse geological conditions: An overview [J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2016, 57: 4-17

[14] HansenA MThe history of TBM tunneling in Norway [R], 1998, Trondheim, Norwegian Soil and Rock Engineering Association Publication, 1119

[15] VaninD. The application of a tunnel-boring machine for exploration drifting at Kiena Gold Mines Limited, Val d’Or, Quebec [J]. CIM Bulletin, 1987, 80: 41-47

[16] IFRIM D, ZOLDY D. Tunnel boring machines, history and trends in Canada [C]// Vanouver TAC 2014: Tunneling in a Resource Driven World. Vancouver, Canada, 2014.

[17] LiuP, LiangW H. Design considerations for construction of the Qinling Tunnel using TBM [J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2000, 15(2): 139-146

[18] BILGIN N, COPUR H, BALCI C. Effect of high strength rocks on TBM performance [C]// TBM Excavation in Difficult Ground Conditions. Wilhelm Ernst & Sohn, 2016: 211–223.

[19] ROBBINS. Alimineti Madhava Reddy (AMR) [OL/OB]. The Robbins Company, 2017. http://www.therobbinscompany.com/projects/alimineti-madhava-reddy-amr.

[20] ROBBINS. Caving hard rock with a small diameter double shield [OL/OB]. The Robbins Company, 2014. http://www.therobbinscompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Robbins_Newsletter_Summer_2014.pdf.

[21] LOG S, BROX D, ANDERSON T, JOHANNSEN E. The return of TBMs to Norway at Røssåga HEPP — TBM operation through extremely hard rock, unstable rock mass and other challenges [C]// World Tunnel Congress. Bergen, Norway, 2017: 1–7.

[22] XUE Y D, DIAO Z X, ZHAO F. Analysis of TBM performance and disc cutter consumption in Yinhanjiwei water conveyance tunnel project [C]// World Tunnel Congress 2016. San Francisco, USA, 2016: 1–13.

[23] ROBBINS. Bahce-Nurdag high speed rail tunnels [OL/OB]. The Robbins Company, 2017. http://www.therobbinscompany.com/projects/bahce-nurdag.

[24] ISRMRock characterization, testing and monitoring: ISRM suggested methods [M], 1981, Oxfoxd, Pergamon Press

[25] WickhamG E, TiedemannH R, SkinnerE H. Support determination based on geologic predictions [C]. North America Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference, 1972, Chicago, Illinois, USA, American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers, 4364

[26] WestG. Rock abrasiveness testing for tunneling [J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts, 1989, 26(2): 151-160

[27] GongF-q, SiX-f, LiX-b, WangS-Y. Experimental investigation of strain rockburst in circular Caverns under deep three-dimensional high-stress conditions [J]. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2019, 52(5): 1459-1474

[28] GongF-q, LuoY, LiX-b, SiX-f, TaoM. Experimental simulation investigation on rockburst induced by spalling failure in deep circular tunnels [J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2018, 81: 413-427

[29] LiX-b, GongF-q, TaoM, DongL-j, DuK, MaC, ZhouZ-l, YinT-B. Failure mechanism and coupled static-dynamic loading theory in deep hard rock mining: A review [J]. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2017, 9(4): 767-782

[30] KAISER P K, MACCREATH D R, TANNANT D D. Canadian rockburst support handbook: Prepared for sponsors of the Canadian rockburst research program 1990–1995 [R]. Geomechanics Research Centre, 1996.

[31] OrtleppW D, StaceyT R. Rockburst mechanisms in tunnels and shafts [J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 1994, 9(1): 59-65

[32] GongQ M, YinL J, WuS Y, ZhaoJ, TingY. Rock burst and slabbing failure and its influence on TBM excavation at headrace tunnels in Jinping II hydropower station [J]. Engineering Geology, 2012, 124: 98-108

[33] FrenzelC, KäslingH, ThuroK. Factors influencing disc cutter wear [J]. Geomechanik Und Tunnelbau, 2008, 1(1): 55-60

[34] DuL-J. Progresses, challenges and countermeasures for TBM construction technology in China [J]. Tunnel Construction, 2017, 37(9): 1063-1075(in Chinese)

[35] LI D, YAN Q. TBM construction in Qinling Tunnel on Xikang Railway Line [J]. Tunnel and Underground World, 1999(1): 31–35. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13807/j.cnki.mtt.1999.01.007. (in Chinese)

[36] PlinningerR, KäslingH, ThuroK, SpaunG. Testing conditions and geomechanical properties influencing the CERCHAR abrasiveness index (CAI) value [J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 2003, 40(2): 259-263

[37] DeeringK, DollingerG L, KrauterD, RobyJ A. Development and performance of large diameter cutters for use on high performance TBM’s [C]. Rapid Excavations and Tunneling Conference, 1991, Seattle, USA, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, 807814

[38] RobyJ, SandellT, KocabJ, LindberghLRoachM F, KritzerM R, OfiaraD, TownsendB F. The current state of disc cutter design and development direction [C]. North American Tunneling 2008, 2008, San Francisco, USA, SME, 3645

[39] SMADING S. Large-diameter 20-inch disc cutters: A comparison of tool life and performance on hard rock TBMs [C]// RETC 2017. San Diego, USA, 2017: 254–260.

[40] OZDEMIR L. The cutting edge [J]. World Tunneling, 2002: 86–88.

[41] SMADING S. TBM disc cutters in the field: Extreme tunnel conditions inform the latest cutting tool advancements[C]// The Thired International Conference on Tunnel Boring Machines in Difficult Grounds. Wuhan, China, 2017.

[42] THOMAS T. The tough got tougher [J]. Tunneling Journal, 2017/2018: 14–15.

[43] SMADING S. 3 ways to bore more efficiently in extremely hard rock: Maximize your TBM advance through minimized downtime, 2019. [OL/OB]. https://www.therobbinscompany.com/3-ways-to-bore-hard-rock.

[44] MOSAVAT K. A smart disc cutter monitoring system using cutter instrumentation technology [C]// RETC 2017. San Diego, USA, 2017: 109–118.

[45] RostamiJ, OzdemirLBowermanL D. A new model for performance prediction of hard rock TBM [C]. Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference 1993, 1993, Boston, MA, SME, 793809

[46] BILGIN N, COPUR H, BALCI C, TUMAC D. TBM performance prediction using laboratory cutting tests in very hard and abrasive rock formations [C]// The Third International Conference on Tunnel Boring Machines in Difficult Grounds. Wuhan, China, 2017.

[47] NelsonP P. TBM performance analysis with reference to rock properties [M]. Excavation, Support and Monitoring, 1993, Amsterdam, Elsevier, 261291

[48] MaurerW CNovel drilling techniques [M], 1968, Britain, Pergamon Press

[49] MurrayC, CourtleyS, HowlettP F. Developments in rock-breaking techniques [J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 1994, 9(2): 225-231

[50] NRCMicrowave processing of materials [M], 1994, Washington, DC, The National Academies Press

[51] PIERCE K G, LIVESAY B J, FINGER J T. Advanced drilling systems study [R]. Sandia National Laboratories, 1996: 163.

[52] RES J, WLADZIELCZYK K, GHOSE A K. Environment-friendly techniques of rock breaking [R]. Taylor & Francis, 2003.

[53] VogtD. A review of rock cutting for underground mining: past, present, and future [J]. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2016, 116(11): 1011-1026

[54] MaurerW CAdvanced drilling techniques [M], 1980, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, Petroleum Pub. Co.

[55] CARSTENS J P, DAVISON W R, BROWN C A, MCGARRY F J, SMITH A R. Heat-assisted tunnel boring machines [R]. United Aircraft Corporation Research Laboratories, 1970: 335.

[56] RamezanzadehA, HoodM. A state-of-the-art review of mechanical rock excavation technologies [J]. Journal of Mining and Environment, 2010, 1: 29-39

[57] DehkhodaS, FairhurstC. Rapid excavation and tunneling techniques [J]. Hydraulic Fracturing Journal, 2017, 4: 101-108

[58] RostamiJDarlingP. Mechanical rock breaking [M]. SME Mining Engineering Handbook, 2011, USA, SME, 417434

[59] vonH ADielectrics and waves [M], 1954, New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc

[60] ChabayR W, SherwoodB A. Matter and interactions [J]. Matter and Interactions, 2011, 544: 594-596

[61] HAMELIN M, KITZINGER F, PRONKO S, SCHOFIELD G. Hard rock fragmentation with pulsed power [C]// Ninth IEEE International Pulsed Power Conference. Albuquerque, NM, USA, 1993: 11–14.

[62] SegsworthR S, KuhnK. Electrical rock breaking [J]. IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, 1977, IA–13(1): 53-57

[63] SUMMERS D A. Waterjetting Technology [M]. CRC Press, 1995.

[64] BowdenF P, FieldJ E. The brittle fracture of solids by liquid impact, by solid impact, and by shock [J]. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series A: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, 1964, 282(1390): 331-352

[65] FieldJ E. ELSI conference: invited lecture: Liquid impact: theory, experiment, applications [J]. Wear, 1999, 233–235: 1-12

[66] LesserM. Analytic solution of liquid-drop impact problems [J]. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Series A: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, 1981, 377(1770): 289-308

[67] MohamedM A KWaterjet cutting up to 900 MPa [M], 2004, Hannover, The University of Hannover

[68] SummersD A, HenryR L. Water jet cutting of sedimentary rock [J]. Journal of Petroleum Technology, 1972, 24(7): 797-802

[69] HOOD M. The use of water jets for rock excavation [C]// HUDSON J A. Comprehensive Rock Engineering: Principles, Practice and Projects, 1993: 229–260.

[70] KNICKMEYER W, BAUMANN L. High-pressure water jet-assisted tunneling techniques [C]// Second US Water Jet Conference. Rolla, Missouri, USA, 1983: 346–356.

[71] HoodM, KnightG C, ThimonsE D. A review of jet assisted rock cutting [J]. Journal of Engineering for Industry, 1992, 114: 196-206

[72] FENN O, PROTHEROE B, JOUGHIN N C. Enhancement of roller cutting by means of water jets [C]// MANN C D, KELLEY M N. Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference. New York, USA: AIME, 198: 341–356.

[73] DUBUNGNON O. An experimental study of water jet assisted drag bit cutting of rocks [C]// First US Water Jet Conference. Golden, Colorado, USA, 1981.

[74] HoodM. Waterjet-assisted rock cutting systems-the present state of the art [J]. International Journal of Mining Engineering, 1985, 3(2): 91-111

[75] CiccuR, GrossoB. Improvement of the excavation performance of PCD drag tools by water jet assistance [J]. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2010, 43(4): 465-474

[76] WANG F D, MILLER R. High pressure water jet assisted tunneling [C]// Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference. Las Vegas, USA, 1976: 649–676.

[77] HENNEKE J, BAUMANN L. Jet assisted tunnel boring in coal measure strata [C]// 4th International Symposium on Jet Cutting Technology. Cantebury, UK, 1978: J1–12.

[78] OZDEMIR L, EVANS R J. Development of waterjet assisted drag bit cutting head for coal measure rock [C]// SUTCLIFFE H, WILSON J W. Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference. Chicago, Illinois, 1983: 701–718.

[79] KOUZMICH I A, MERZLYAKOV V G. Schemes of coal massif breakage by disc cutter and high-velocity water jet [C]// Second US Water Jet Conference. Rolla, Missouri, USA, 1983: 381–400.

[80] TECEN O, FOWELL R J. Hybrid rock cutting: Fundamental investigations and practical applications [C]// SUMMERS D A, HASTON F F. 2nd US Waterjet Conference. Rolla, Missouri, USA, 1983: 347–457.

[81] ROPCHAN D, WANG F D, WOLGAMOTT J. Application of water jet assisted drag bit and pick cutter for the cutting of coal measure rocks [R]. Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI), 1980.

[82] CiccuR, GrossoB. Improvement of disc cutter performance by water jet assistance [J]. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2014, 47(2): 733-744

[83] CHADWICK R F, KURKO M C. Continuous high-velocity jet excavation–Phase I [R]. Bendix Research Lab, 1972: 97.

[84] CHADWICK R F. Continuous high-velocity jet excavation — Phase II [R]. Bendix Research Lab, 1973: 33.

[85] DehkhodaSExperimental and numerical study of rock breakage by pulsed water jets [D], 2011, Brisbane, University of Queensland

[86] BAUMANN L, HENNEKE J. Attempt of technical-economical optimization of high pressure jet assistance for tunneling machines [C]// Fifth International Symposium on Jet Cutting Technology. Hanover, Germany, 1980: 119–140.

[87] TBMSTAFF. Water jet hard rock TBM launch ceremony held at CREG [OL/OB]. Tunnel Business Magazine, 2019. https://tunnelingonline.com/water-jet-hard-rock-tbm-launch-ceremony-creg/layout-of-high-pressure-water-nozzle.

[88] HustrulidWA technical and economic evaluation of water jet assisted tunnel boring [R], 1976, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, University of Utah, 152

[89] OZDEMIR L, DOLLINGER G L. Recent developments in mechanical and water jet assisted tunnel boring technology for civil and mining engineering applications [C]// ISRM Symposium: Design and Performance of Underground Excavations. Cambridge, UK, 1984: 295–303. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1680/dapoue.35652.0035.

[90] RehbinderG. A theory about cutting rock with a water jet [J]. Rock Mechanics, 1980, 12: 247-257

[91] WILSON J W, SUMMERS D A, GERTSCH R E. The development of waterjets for rock excavation [C]// 4th International Symposium on Mine Mechanisation and Automation. Brisbane, Australia, 199: 1–10.

[92] SiegmanA ELasers [M], 1986, Philadelphia, USA, University Science Books

[93] WEBER M J. Handbook of laser wavelengths [M]. CRC Press, 1998.

[94] WILLIAMSON R B, F. M, MCGARRY F J. Some relationships between power level, exposure time, sample size and weakening in laser-assisted rock fracture [M]. MIT Department of Civil Engineering, 1968.

[95] JurewiczB R. Rock excavation with laser assistance [J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts, 1976, 13(7): 207-219

[96] GravesR M, ArayaA, GahanB C, ParkerR A. Comparison of specific energy between drilling with high power sasers and other drilling methods [C]. SPE Annual Techinical Conference, 2002, San Antonio, Texas, US, Society of Petroleum Engineers, 17

[97] McgarryF J, MoavenzadehF. Laser heating effects on rock samples [C]. The 12th US Symposium on Rock Mechanics (USRMS), 1970, Rolla, Missouri, USA, American Rock Mechanics Association

[98] GravesR M, BailoE T. Analysis of thermally altered rock properties using high-power laser technology [C]. Canadian International Petroleum Conference, 2005, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Petroleum Society of Canada, 18

[99] XuZ, ReedC B, KonerckiG, ParkerR A, GahanB C, BatarsehS, GravesR M, FigueroaH, SkinnerN. Specific energy for pulsed laser rock drilling [J]. Journal of Laser Applications, 2003, 15(1): 25-30

[100] PARKER R, XU Z, REED C, GRAVES R, GAHAN B, BATARSEH S. Drilling large diameter holes in rocks using multiple laser beams [C]// ICALEO. 2003: 504. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2351/1.5060059.

[101] MoavenzadehF, McgarryF J, WilliamsonR B. Use of laser and surface active agents for excavation in hard rocks [C]. Fall Meeting of the Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, 1968, Houston, Texas, Society of Petroleum Engineers, 116

[102] RadP F, McgarryF J. Thermally assisted cutting of granite [C]. The 12th US Symposium on Rock Mechanics (USRMS), 1970, Rolla, Missouri, USA, American Rock Mechanics Association, 721757

[103] CarstensJ P, BrownC O. Rock cutting by laser [C]. Fall Meeting of the Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, 1971, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, Society of Petroleum Engineers, 110

[104] LaurielloP J, ChenY. Thermal fracturing of hard rock [J]. Journal of Applied Mechanics, 1973, 40(4): 909-914

[105] O’BrienD G, GravesR M, O’BrienE A. Laser-rock-fluid interaction: Application of free-electron laser (FEL) in petroleum well drilling and completions [C]. Optoelectronics’ 99-Integrated Optoelectronic Devices, 1999, San Jose, CA, United States, SPIE, 168176

[106] GravesR M, BailoE T. Porosity and permeability changes in lased rocks calculated using fractal fragmentation theory [C]. Canadian International Petroleum Conference, 2004, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Petroleum Society of Canada, 18

[107] GURVICH L, YATSIV S, SHACHRAI A. Rock processing with CO₂ laser radiation [C]// Proc SPIE. 1972: 297–305.

[108] KumarM, BiswasA K, SrinivasK, NathA K. Marble cutting with cw CO₂ laser [C]. Photonics West’ 95. Proc SPIE 2374, Novel Applications of Lasers and Pulsed Power. San Jose, CA, USA, 1995, 2374: 34-39

[109] MirandaR M, QuintinoL. CO₂ Laser cutting of calcareous stones [J]. Materials and Manufacturing Processes, 2004, 19(6): 1133-1142

[110] RiveiroA, MejíasA, SotoR, QuinteroF, DelV J, BoutinguizaM, LusquiñosF, PardoJ, PouJ. CO₂ laser cutting of natural granite [J]. Optics & Laser Technology, 2016, 76: 19-28

[111] MontrossC S, FloreaV, BolgerJ A. Laser-induced shock wave generation and shock wave enhancement in basalt [J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 1999, 36(6): 849-855

[112] BolgerJ A, MontrossC S, RodeA V. Shock waves in basalt rock generated with high-powered lasers in a confined geometry [J]. Journal of Applied Physics, 1999, 86(10): 5461-5466

[113] SELLAR J G. Apparatus and process for employing synergistic destructive powers of a water stream and a laser beam: Google Patents, US5356081A [P]. 2014-08-21.

[114] LandM S, VolkmarJ F, ZedikerM S, KolachalamS, NortonR J, FairclothB O, GrubbD L, deW R AHigh power laser tunneling mining and construction equipment and methods of use [M], 2014, US, Foro Energy Inc., Littleton, CO (US), 74

[115] PooniwalaS ALasers: The next bit [C]// SPE Eastern Regional Meeting, 2006, Canton, Ohio, USA, Society of Petroleum Engineers, 110

[116] MetaxasA C, MeredithR JIndustrial microwave heating [M], 1983, Stevenage, England, IET

[117] ZhengY-l, MaZ-j, ZhaoX-b, HeL. Experimental investigation on the thermal, mechanical and cracking behaviours of three igneous rocks under microwave treatment [J]. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2020, 53(8): 3657-3671

[118] SantamarinaJ CKulhawyF H. Rock excavation with microwaves: A literature review [C]. Foundation Engineering Conference, 1989, Evanston, Illinois, United States, ASCE, 459473

[119] BatchelorA R, JonesD A, PlintS, KingmanS W. Deriving the ideal ore texture for microwave treatment of metalliferous ores [J]. Minerals Engineering, 2015, 84: 116-129

[120] NelsonS, LindrothD, BlakeR. Dielectric properties of selected and purified minerals At1 to 22 GHz [J]. Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy, 1989, 24(4): 213-220

[121] CHURCH R H, WEBB W E, SALSMAN J B. Dielectric properties of low-loss minerals [R]. United-States Department of the Interior and The Bureau of Mines, 1988: 28.

[122] WalkiewiczJ W, KazonichG, McgillS L. Microwave heating characteristics of selected minerals and compounds [J]. Miner Metall Process, 1988, 5(1): 39-42

[123] HARRISON P C. A fundamental study of the heating effect of 2.45 GHz microwave radiation on minerals [D]: University of Birmingham, 1997.

[124] HOEKSTRA P. Rock, frozen soil and ice breakage by high-frequency electromagnetic radiation: A review [R]. Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, 1976: 17.

[125] MisnikY M, NekrasovL B. Breaking frozen loose rocks by means of a combination of high-frequency and mechanical fields [J]. Soviet Mining, 1969, 5(6): 646-650

[126] MisnikY M, NekrasovL B. Electrothermal breaking of frozen rocks (Principal problems and research results) [J]. Soviet Mining, 1973, 9(5): 487-491

[127] GushchinV V, RzhevskiiV V, KuznetsovV V, ProtasovY I, YurchenkoN N. Driving of workings by a cutter-loader with electrothermal rock breaking [J]. Soviet Mining, 1973, 9(6): 618-622

[128] GushchinV V, KuznetsovV V, ChernikovV A, MerzonA G, ProtasovY I, VartanovG A. Driving horizontal workings by means of an entry drifting machine with electrothermomechanical cutting [J]. Soviet Mining, 1979, 15(2): 133-137

[129] ProtasovY I, KuznetsovV V, MerzonA G, ChernikovV A, RetinskiiV S. A study of electrothermomechanical destruction of hard rocks with a rotary heading machine [J]. Soviet Mining, 1984, 20(6): 462-467

[130] KRASNOVSKIJ S S, UVAROV A P. Examination of possibility of lowering of power consumption of rocks fracture at affecting of thick streams of microwave energy of millimeter wave [C]// Russian Scientific Conference: Microwave Energy Application in Processes and Scientific Examinations. Saratov, Russia, 1991: 139–140.

[131] KoiwaT, ShiratoriY, TakahashiH, MatsumotoSRock breaking by microwave radiation-effects of local heating and thermal fracture [R], 1975, Nagase, Yokosuka, Japan, Ministry of Transport, 181209

[132] TAKAHASHI H, KOIWA T, MIYAZAKI S, KIHARA S, MATSUMOTO S. Rock excavation by microwave-Capability of high power microwave rock breaker (100 kW, 200 kW) for rock excavation [R]. Port and Airport Research Institute, 1979: 1–17.

[133] LindrothD P, BerglundW R, MorrellR J, BlairJ R. Microwave-assisted drilling in hard rock [J]. Minining Engineering, 1993, 25: 1159-1163

[134] HartliebP, GrafeB. Experimental study on microwave assisted hard rock cutting of granite [J]. BHM Berg- und Hüttenmännische Monatshefte, 2017, 162(2): 77-81

[135] HartliebP, GrafeB, ShepelT, MalovykA, AkbariB. Experimental study on artificially induced crack patterns and their consequences on mechanical excavation processes [J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 2017, 100: 160-169

[136] LuG-m, FengX-t, LiY-h, ZhangX-W. The microwave-induced fracturing of hard rock [J]. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2019, 52(9): 3017-3032

[137] ZnamenáckováI, LovásM, HájekM, JakabskýŠ. Melting of andesite in a microwave oven [J]. Journal of Mining and Metallurgy, 2003, 39(34): 549-557

[138] SatishHExploring microwave assisted rock breakage for possible space mining applications [D], 2005, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, McGill University

[139] SikongL, BunsinT. Mechanical property and cutting rate of microwave treated granite rock [J]. Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology, 2009, 31: 447-452

[140] PeinsittT, KucharF, HartliebP, MoserP, KarglH, RestnerU, SifferlingerN A. Microwave heating of dry and water saturated basalt, granite and sandstone [J]. International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2010, 2(1): 18-29

[141] NejatiHAnalysis of physical properties and thermo-mechanical induced fractures of rocks subjected to microwave radiation [D], 2014, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, McGill

[142] NekoovaghtP MPhysical and mechanical properties of rocks exposed to microwave irradiation: Potential application to tunnel boring [D], 2015, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, McGill University

[143] JerbyE, DikhtyarV, AktushevO, GrosglickU. The microwave drill [J]. Science, 2002, 298: 587-589

[144] JerbyE, NerovnyY, MeirY, KorinO, PelegR, ShamirY. A silent microwave drill for deep holes in concrete [J]. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 2018, 66(1): 522-529

[145] OGLESBY K, WOSKOV P, EINSTEIN H, LIVESAY B. Deep geothermal drilling using millimeter wave technology (final technical research report) [R]. Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI), 2014.

[146] WoskovP. Millimeter-wave directed energy deep boreholes [C]. Drilling for Geology II Conference 2017, 2017, Brisbane, Australia, Australian Institute of Geoscientists

[147] ZhengY L, ZhangQ B, ZhaoJ. Effect of microwave treatment on thermal and ultrasonic properties of gabbro [J]. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2017, 127: 359-369

[148] WoskovP P, EinsteinH H, OglesbyK D. Penetrating rock with intense millimeter-waves [C]. 39th International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz waves (IRMMW-THz), 2014, Tucson, Arizona, USA, IEEE, 12

[149] HassaniF, NekoovaghtP M, GharibN. The influence of microwave irradiation on rocks for microwave-assisted underground excavation [J]. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2016, 8: 1-15

[150] PEINSITT T, KUCHAR F, KARGL H, RESTNER U, SIFFERLINGER N, MOSER P. Microwave heating of rocks with different water content [C]//Proceedings of Microwave Technology’ 08. 2008: 1–9.

[151] NekoovaghtP MAn investigation on the influence of microwave energy on basic mechanical properties of hard rocks [D], 2009, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Concordia University

[152] COOK N G W, JOUGHIN N C. Rock fragmentation by mechanical, chemical and thermal methods [C]// The 6th International Mining Conference. Madrid, Spain, 1979: 223–228.

[153] BIENIAWSKI R Z T, CELADA B, TARDAGUILA I, RODRIGUES A. Specific energy of excavation in detecting tunneling conditions ahead of TBMs [J]. Tunnels & Tunneling International, 2012: 65–68.

[154] MellorM. Normalization of specific energy values [J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts, 1972, 9: 661-663

[155] POOLE J W, THORPE M L. Study of high powered plasma for in situ hard rock disintegration [R]. Defense Technical Information Center, 1973.