Plan your excavation with proper information
Rock testing plays a crucial role in the success of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) projects. By conducting various tests on rock samples, engineers can assess the rock mass properties and make informed decisions regarding TBM design, excavation parameters, and support requirements.
The most common rock tests related to TBM projects are:

Additionally to rock testing, bit wearing testing is crucial in TBM projects as it helps assess the performance and durability of the cutting tools (bits) used in the tunnel excavation process. By evaluating bit wearing, engineers can make informed decisions regarding bit selection, maintenance schedules, and overall project efficiency and cost optimization.
Bit wearing can be estimated in laboratory through the Bit Wearing Index (BWI). BWI consists on three(3) different tests that evaluate the drillability, compaction and abrasion of the rock to be excavated, and their combined effect on the cutting tool.
The BWI is composed by,
References
Janc, B. & Jovicic, Vojkan & Vukelić, Ž. (2020). Laboratory Test Methods for Assessing the Abrasivity of Rocks and Soils in Geotechnology and Mining Applications. Materials and Geoenvironment. 67. 10.2478/rmzmag-2020-0012.
Majeed, Yasir & Bakar, Muhammad & Butt, Irfan. (2019). Abrasivity evaluation for wear prediction of button drill bits using geotechnical rock properties. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment. 79. 1-21. 10.1007/s10064-019-01587-y.