Assessment of TBM cutter wear using Cerchar abrasiveness test

Cerchar abrasiveness test is widely used to assess the abrasiveness of rock to predict of rock cutting tool wear because it provides good information on the abrasiveness with quick and easy testing procedure. Cerchar abrasiveness index (CAI) is obtained from the diameter of the wear flat of stylus pins after scratching on rock surface. Various parameters may affect Cerchar abrasiveness index (CAI), for example, surface condition of rock, normal load, mineral contents of rock, etc. In this paper, the test was performed following ASTM standard using heat treated SM45C steel on polished rock surface. The relations between mechanical/ petrological properties of rock and CAI were examined for several different Korean rocks including granite and gneiss. Numerical analysis was carried out as well to simulate the Cerchar abrasiveness test. These results can be used in estimation of cutter wear and life.