ABSTRACT
This part conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters. The part presents results that can be drawn from the survey of problems of wear in rock dredging. Wear problems in rock dredging have commonly been approached from a mechanical engineering point of view, through the design of better performing excavation tools and the use of improved wear resistant materials. Intensive study of the tribological system, involving microscopic examination of the worn parts, may reveal the wear mechanisms that have operated on the tool. Looking at the practice of rock dredging, it becomes clear that even basic information is sometimes lacking in site investigation reports. Site investigations should preferably be carried out with the involvement of engineering geologists, which are especially trained to translate geological information to the engineering project at hand. The engineering geologist studying dredging projects should consult geologists familiar with the geology of the site surroundings.
