Comparison Study on Coarseness Index and Maximum Diameter of Rock Fragments by Linear Cutting Tests

Rock fragments obtained by excavation can provide information for evaluating the excavation efficiency, for which the coarseness index (CI) and particle size parameters (d₅₀, d_MPS, and d′) are used. However, CI depends on the number and size of the sieves used, and the particle size parameters require mathematical calculations. In this study, the maximum diameter (d_max) of rock fragments was used as an indicator of the excavation efficiency. Linear cutting tests were performed and the rock fragments were sieved to obtain the CI and d_max. The relationship between d_max and CI was similar to that between other particle parameters and CI. d_max and CI increased with increasing penetration depth and spacing, but d_max followed a linear relationship, and CI demonstrated a power relationship. Both d_max and CI reached their maximum values at a specific ratio of spacing to penetration depth (s/p ratio) and were not affected by subsequent increases in s/p. The cutting force and volume had positive relationships with d_max and CI, linear with d_max and exponential with CI, whereas the specific energy (SE) had an inverse relationship, showing exponential and linear relationships with d_max and CI, respectively. When d_max was larger than a certain value, SE converged to a constant value. This study confirmed that d_max has an advantage over CI in determining excavation efficiency.