Application of Soft Computing Methods for the Estimation of Roadheader Performance from Schmidt Hammer Rebound Values

Estimation of roadheader performance is one of the main topics in determining the economics of underground excavation projects. The poor performance estimation of roadheader scan leads to costly contractual claims. In this paper, the application of soft computing methods for data analysis called adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system- subtractive clustering method (ANFIS-SCM) and artificial neural network (ANN) optimized by hybrid particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm (HPSOGA) to estimate roadheader performance is demonstrated. The data to show the applicability of these methods were collected from tunnels for Istanbul’s sewage system, Turkey. Two estimation models based on ANFIS-SCM and ANN-HPSOGA were developed. In these models, Schmidt hammer rebound values and rock quality designation (RQD) were utilized as the input parameters, and net cutting rates constituted the output parameter. Various statistical performance indices were used to compare the performance of those estimation models. The results indicated that the ANFIS-SCM model has strong potentials to estimate roadheader performance with high degrees of accuracy and robustness.