Abstract: The adaptability of composite earth pressure balanced(EPB) shield machine cutter head to the complex formation determines the security and economical efficiency of construction. Due to the structural diversity of cutter head and the complicated geological conditions of construction, the comprehensive performance for different types is different when they act on different formations. And no suitable and effective method for performance evaluation of cutter head has yet been found. To improve that, with multi-level and multi-faceted and relevance between influencing factors for cutter head performance, an index system cutter head performance assessment is established from the aspects of structural performance, cutter layout performance, mechanical properties, economy, safe reliability and environmental adaptability of cutter head. According to features of the cutter hierarchical structure evaluation model, and based on fuzzy mathematics and evaluation theory, this system proposes a method which uses fuzzy level analytic process to calculate cutter head index weights and adopts fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution(TOPSIS) decision for comprehensive performance evaluation of cutter head. Also, combining geological conditions of a certain metro bid construction in Changsha, four common programs for composite EPB shield machine are compared, of which the final one is chosen through evaluation of the cutter head performance. The rationality and effectiveness of this method is also verified through engineering examples, thus rendering a new method for the cutter head selection in construction process.

Key words: composite epb shield machine, cutter head, evaluation index, evaluation method, excavation performance