Microtunneling
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The Microtunneling Research Institute (MRI) is a focused portion of the Earth Mechanics Institute (EMI) at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM).
Current testing, design, and engineering programs for microtunneling:
Physical Property Testing
Borehole Evaluation/Analysis
Rock/Soil Mass Classifications
Full
Scale Cutter and Cutterhead Laboratory Testing for preferred cutter
selection, optimum cutting geometry and machine specifications (thrust and power)
Selection of Machine Type
(slurry versus auger system)
Cutterhead Design and Optimization
Performance Predictions
for penetration
rates, system utilization, and advance rates
Cutter Cost Evaluations
Machine and Ancillary Equipment Availability
Microtunneling Projects:
Testing and Performance Evaluation of a 32-inch Cutterhead using Mini Disc Cutters