Experimental and numerical simulation study on the relationship between cutting depth of high-pressure water jet with high traverse speed and disc cutter penetration of TBM in hard rock tunnel

•Experiments were conducted to investigate rock breaking using high-pressure, high traverse speed water jets, matching the movement speed of the TBM disc cutter.•The relationship between traverse speed and the depth of water jet cutting was examined.•A deeper groove depth than penetration depth leads to a more effective rock-breaking outcome.•A water jet zoning arrangement method for eight-meter class TBM cutters is introduced.