Cutting parameter optimization for one-step shaft excavation technique based on parallel cutting method

The outcome of the cutting blasting in a one-step shaft excavation is heavily related to the cutting parameters used for parallel cutting method. In this study, the relationships between the cutting parameters (such as the hole spacing L and the empty hole diameter D) and damage zones were investigated by numerical simulation. A damage state index gamma was introduced and used to characterize the crushing and crack damage zones through a user-defined subroutine. Two indices, i.e., n(1) and n(2) that can reflect the cutting performance, were also introduced. The simulation results indicate that an optimal value of L can be obtained so that the n(1) and n(2) can reach their optimal states for the best cutting performance. A larger D results in better cutting performance when the L value maintains its best. In addition, the influences of the loading rate and the in-situ stress on the cutting performance were investigated. It is found that an explosive with a high loading rate is suit for cutting blasting. The propagation direction and the length of the tensile cracks are affected by the direction and the magnitude of the maximum principal stress.