Computer Simulation of Unit Operations for Rapid Excavation Systems

The purpose of this research project is to apply the systems approach to the tunnelling process and to the materials handling function in particular. This report covers the literature search, the study of existing methods, and the development of the conceptual model. The literature search revealed a large amount of descriptive information on the equipment and methods used in tunnelling systems. However, applcations of research into the rapid excavation field were generally scarce. Study of present tunnelling methods led to the formulation of a conceptual model of a tunnelling system. The system has been broken down into four unit operations designated as muck generation, tunnel support, environmental control, and materials handling. The modelling of each of these operations is discusse.d The interaction between the unit operations will be handled by the simulation control system which also performs the input-output and accounting functions. Emphasis has been placed upon designing the control system to simulate nearly any tunneling operation.