Evaluating the efficacy of recycled garnet abrasives in enhancing hard rock cutting performance of abrasive waterjet systems

Abstract

Abrasive waterjet (AWJ) systems represent an emerging technology for hard rock cutting in urban underground spaces, offering low vibration and precise cutting performance. However, the high consumption of abrasives, which accounts for approximately 60% of the total cutting cost, presents a practical limitation for AWJ systems. Recycling used abrasives is a potential approach to improve the economic feasibility of AWJ technology for commercial applications. This study investigates the effects of abrasive recycling on granite specimens, using cutting performance metrics such as depth and volume. Additionally, the optimal particle size for reusability was determined through abrasive particle size analysis. The results reveal that a 40%-60% recycled garnet mixture is the optimal abrasive mixing ratio for AWJ rock cutting, potentially enhancing the cost-effectiveness of AWJ projects.