Rock breaking by disc cutter is a fundamental mechanical behavior in tunnel boring machine (TBM) tunnelling. Scholars have conducted extensive studies on rock-breaking theories

but systematic comparisons between the theoretical tunnelling parameters and experimental results are rarely reported. This study presents theoretical and experimental studies on TBM disc cutter rock breaking. First

three types of theoretical models

i.e.

compressive rock breaking

compressive-shear rock breaking

and compressive-tensile rock breaking

are reviewed

and the expressions for normal force and rolling force in seven classical calculation models (Evans

Roxborough

Wijk

SJTU

CSM

Sanio

and NEU models) are summarized. Leveraging a self-developed TBM tunneling comprehensive test platform

laboratory tunnelling tests were conducted on low-

medium-

and high-strength sandstones

with key parameters such as cutterhead thrust

torque

and displacement obtained. By comparing theoretical calculations with experimental results

it was found that the CSM model performed best in both thrust and torque calculations

with deviations controlled within 26%

making it the preferred model. The Evans and NEU models generally yielded lower values than experimental results and were suitable for preliminary estimations

making them the second-best recommended models. The Roxborough

Wijk

SJTU

and Sanio models exhibited deviations exceeding 100%

necessitating adjustments in accordance with specific engineering conditions

thereby rendering them as alternative models. This study reveals the influence of rock strength on model applicability

providing theoretical references for TBM tunnelling parameter prediction and rock-breaking mechanism research.