Current Issues in Rock Dredging

Hignett, H. J.; Banks, D. C.; ,

Current Issues in Rock Dredging

by H. J. Hignett, Camborne Sch of Mines, Cornwall, England,
D. C. Banks, Camborne Sch of Mines, Cornwall, England,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal

Abstract:

An attractive alternative to the use of explosives for deepening shipping channels is the improvement of the rock cutter suction dredger. But, assessing the capability and design parameters for a rock cutter suction dredger is a complex subject involving factors such as rock properties, machine compliance, cutting energy and cutter tool life. Moreover, it appears from a literature survey on mechanical dredging in rock, carried out at the US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, that little data exist on which to base sound technical judgment a fact which often leads to many contractual disputes. However, many excavation problems in tunnelling and dredging are inter-related and the elements pertaining to tunnelling excavation may well benefit dredging by technology transfer.

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