Innovative Geoscience Application Award
Ebrahim Farrokh
Amirkabir University of Technology
Ebrahim Farrokh is a researcher affiliated with Amirkabir University of Technology whose documented scholarly work addresses engineering problems involving tunnel boring machines, cutterhead systems, excavation performance, cutting mechanisms, numerical modelling, and machine-related operational parameters. His publication record includes studies of EPB-TBM cutterhead design, rotary cutting machine performance, tunnel face pressure, ground conditions, and cutter life. These topics demonstrate an interdisciplinary connection between geoscience-informed excavation assessment and machine design, with particular relevance to mechanized tunnelling and underground engineering. His indexed research profile records 55 documents, 982 citations, and an h-index of 14 as supplied for this recognition profile.[1]
Abstract
Ebrahim Farrokh’s research profile reflects an engineering-oriented approach to mechanized excavation and machine performance, with particular emphasis on tunnel boring machine systems and cutting technologies. His publications examine relationships among geological conditions, operational parameters, cutterhead configuration, cutting-machine behaviour, tunnel stability, and excavation performance. A recent study integrates geological, operational, and machine-related parameters to investigate optimization of TBM disc cutter life, illustrating the connection between ground conditions and mechanical system performance.[2] Other work investigates cutterhead modification for EPB-TBM performance in the Shiraz Metro Line 3 project and the performance of rotary cutting machines on Korean granite.[3][4] Collectively, these studies provide a research basis for evaluating excavation machinery under varying geological and operational conditions.
Keywords
- Tunnel Boring Machines
- Cutterhead Design
- Disc Cutters
- Rotary Cutting
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Machine Design
- Tunnel Excavation
- Face Pressure
Introduction
Mechanized tunnelling requires the interaction of geological conditions with mechanical, operational, and design parameters. In TBM excavation, cutterhead configuration, cutter characteristics, machine operating conditions, and the properties of the excavated ground can influence excavation performance and component wear. Research that integrates these factors can contribute to improved understanding of cutter utilization, machine behaviour, and operational decision-making.[2]
Research Profile
The research profile represented by the supplied publication record is primarily associated with machine design and underground excavation engineering. The listed studies demonstrate recurring attention to cutting systems, cutterhead geometry, excavation conditions, machine performance, numerical modelling, and the service behaviour of excavation components. The work therefore occupies an area where mechanical engineering and geoscience-informed engineering requirements overlap.
Research Contributions
- Integration of geological, operational, and machine-related parameters for assessing TBM disc cutter life and optimization considerations.[2]
- Investigation of EPB-TBM performance enhancement through cutterhead modification in the context of Shiraz Metro Line 3.[3]
- Evaluation of rotary cutting machine performance using Korean granite as a representative rock material.[4]
- Research into cutterhead opening design for earth pressure balance machines operating in soft ground conditions.[5]
- Numerical investigation of tunnel stability number and face pressure at the serviceability limit state.[6]
Publications
Selected publications associated with Ebrahim Farrokh include the following peer-reviewed journal articles. The list emphasizes publications directly relevant to cutter systems, TBM performance, excavation machinery, and geotechnical-machine interaction.
- Sabbaghi, M., & Farrokh, E. (2026). Integrated assessment of geological, operational, and machine related parameters for optimization of TBM disc cutter life. Results in Engineering.
- Farrokh, E., Lotfi, D., Gholami, M., & Hosseini, M. (2026). EPB-TBM performance enhancement through cutterhead modification in Shiraz Metro Line 3. Results in Engineering.
- Shin, Y. J., Farrokh, E., Jung, J., Lee, J., & Kang, H. (2024). A study of rotary cutting machine (RCM) performance on Korean granite. Engineering Computations.
- Mohammadi, D., Shahriar, K., Moarefvand, P., & Farrokh, E. (2023). Discussion of cutterhead opening design for earth pressure balance machines (EPBMs) in soft grounds. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Geotechnical Engineering.
- Tarafrava, M., & Farrokh, E. (2023). Estimation of the stability number and face pressure of the tunnel at the serviceability limit state based on the results of numerical modeling. Journal of Analytical and Numerical Methods in Mining Engineering.
Research Impact
The supplied research metrics indicate a Scopus profile containing 55 documents, 982 citations, and an h-index of 14.[1] These indicators provide one quantitative view of the visibility of the research record, although citation counts and h-index values should be interpreted in relation to publication age, disciplinary citation practices, collaboration patterns, and the scope of the researcher’s field.[2][3][5]
Award Suitability
The Innovative Geoscience Application Award recognizes research in which geoscience-related knowledge is applied to practical engineering challenges. Based on the supplied publication record, Farrokh’s work demonstrates a clear application-oriented relationship between geological or ground conditions and the design, operation, and performance of excavation machinery. The integration of these factors in TBM disc cutter research is particularly relevant to the award’s emphasis on applied engineering problems involving geological environments.[2]
Conclusion
Ebrahim Farrokh’s supplied research record presents a coherent body of work centered on mechanized excavation, TBM and EPBM systems, cutting machinery, cutterhead design, and the interaction between machine parameters and geological conditions. The publications demonstrate both numerical and engineering approaches to practical tunnelling challenges, including cutter life, machine performance, cutterhead configuration, and tunnel face behaviour. Together with the supplied Scopus indicators, the record provides a substantive academic basis for consideration under the Innovative Geoscience Application Award.
External Links
References
- Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Ebrahim Farrokh, Author ID 12790914600. Scopus.
https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=12790914600
- Sabbaghi, M., & Farrokh, E. (2026). Integrated assessment of geological, operational, and machine related parameters for optimization of TBM disc cutter life. Results in Engineering. DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2026.112116.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2026.112116
- Farrokh, E., Lotfi, D., Gholami, M., & Hosseini, M. (2026). EPB-TBM performance enhancement through cutterhead modification in Shiraz Metro Line 3. Results in Engineering. DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.108917.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.108917
- Shin, Y. J., Farrokh, E., Jung, J., Lee, J., & Kang, H. (2024). A study of rotary cutting machine (RCM) performance on Korean granite. Engineering Computations. DOI: 10.1108/EC-08-2023-0462.
https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-08-2023-0462
- Mohammadi, D., Shahriar, K., Moarefvand, P., & Farrokh, E. (2023). Discussion of cutterhead opening design for earth pressure balance machines (EPBMs) in soft grounds. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Geotechnical Engineering. DOI: 10.1680/jgeen.22.00254.
https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeen.22.00254
- Tarafrava, M., & Farrokh, E. (2023). Estimation of the stability number and face pressure of the tunnel at the serviceability limit state based on the results of numerical modeling. Journal of Analytical and Numerical Methods in Mining Engineering. DOI: 10.22034/ANM.2022.2781.
https://doi.org/10.22034/ANM.2022.2781