Performance of Chain Trenchers in Mixed Ground
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 122, Issue 2
Abstract
Chain trenchers were used to cut moderately strong sandstone bedrock, compressive strength 6–9,000 psi (41–62 MN/m 2 ), of varying thickness up to 17 ft (5.1 m), beneath desert alluvium in Sedona, Arizona. Data from the case history indicated an inverse relation between trencher performance expressed as a cutting rate or volume excavation rate and the thickness of rock cut. This was compared with curves derived from a simple balance of the cutting energy available from the trencher and the energy required to break a unit volume of rock. The closeness of the fit provides a basis for understanding the mechanics of chain-trencher cutting performance and for the prediction of performance in rocks of different strengths and thicknesses. The main conclusions are that: (1) The design of chain trenchers is such that power available for cutting remains constant and low; and (2) machine productivity in terms of traverse speed or excavation rate is inversely proportional to the strength and thickness of any rock cut.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
Deere, D. U., and Miller, R. P. (1966). “Engineering classification and index properties of intact rocks.”AFWL Rep. TR-65-116, NTIS, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Springfield, Va.
2.
Di Duca, R. C. (1990). “Rock removal techniques and equipment in trench excavation and pipeline construction, a comparison.”Proc., 16th Annu. Conf. on Explosives and Blasting Techniques, Soc. Explosives Engrs., Solon, Ohio, 319–346.
3.
Farmer, I. W., and Garritty, P. (1978). “Prediction of roadheader cutting performance from fracture toughness considerations.”Proc., 6th Congr. ISRM, Montreal, A. A. Balkema, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 621–624.
4.
Mellor, M. (1976). “Mechanics of cutting and boring. Part 3: Kinematics of continuous belt machines.”Rep. 76-17, U.S. Cold Regions Res. and Engrg. Lab., Hanover, N.H.
5.
Mellor, M. (1978). “Mechanics of cutting and boring. Part 8: Dynamics and energetics of continuous belt machines.”Rep. 78-11, U.S. Cold Regions Res. and Engrg. Lab., Hanover, N.H.
6.
Popp, D. (1991). “Trenching equipment, product specifier's notebook.”Hwy. and Heavy Constr., (Apr.), 50.
7.
Poulton, M. M., Sternberg, B. K., and Farmer, I. W.(1991). “In-situ strength measurements of weak rocks.”J. Geotech. Engrg., ASCE, 117(9), 1424–1429.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Jun 1, 1996
Published in print: Jun 1996
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.