ABSTRACT
The Full-Scale Disc Abrasion Test (FDAT) is a recently developed testing device by Tunnel Saz Machine Co. that simulates the normal wear of disc cutters under specific operational parameters. This paper discusses the introduction of the testing equipment, its components, working procedure, wear measurement procedure, and the results of conducted tests on available 305 mm single and double-edge discs, considering the influence of applied normal force. The findings indicate that when the normal force is doubled, the cutter wear approximately doubles. The FDAT equipment has shown promising results in quality control for various discs supplied by different manufacturers. Furthermore, the study delves into the complex relationship between operational parameters, cutter design, and rock properties, offering insights into optimizing disc cutter performance in mechanized tunneling.
