Research of the Segment Erector of Tunnel Boring Machine Based on Virtual Prototype

Digital mockup of segment erector has been built in PRO/E and imported into ADAMS through Mechanism/Pro for building the virtual prototype. Step function is applied for fitting the segment erector's main drivers, single segment erected time in Qinling tunnel is calculated as an example, the dynamic simulation of segment erecting under different operating conditions has been made. Comparing the analyzed results then the loading condition of the erector's bridge can be gotten. The finite element analysis of the erector's bridge is made by software ANSYS, structure strength checking which can provides support for the optimal design of segment erector has been made.