A roadheader is an excavating machine used in underground mining and tunneling to continuously cut rock and other materials without explosives, allowing for precise tunnel shapes and sizes.
Key components include a boom-mounted cutting head with durable picks (e.g., tungsten carbide) that rotates to break rock. The boom maneuvers the cutting head, while a loading device, often an integrated conveyor system, gathers and transports the excavated material (muck) to the rear of the machine. The entire machine moves on crawler tracks (KoneCarbide, 2023).
The excavation process involves pressing the rotating cutting head against the rock face, chipping and breaking the material as the machine advances incrementally (Metrolinx, n.d.).
Roadheaders are partial-face excavation machines, meaning the tunnel face remains accessible for pick changes and roof support installation close to the face.
They offer flexibility in excavating various tunnel profiles and navigating gradients, making them suitable for roadways and tunnels in soft to medium strength rock.
Operationally, roadheaders are considered safer and more environmentally friendly than drill-and-blast methods due to the absence of explosives, resulting in reduced vibrations and fumes (ConstructionTechnology.in, n.d.).
However, safe operation necessitates adherence to specific procedures, including hazard identification, use of PPE, adequate dust ventilation, and emergency protocols (Bluesafe.net.au, n.d.).
Why are roadheaders particularly suitable for tunneling in soft to medium-strength rock? Share your thoughts!
