The start of a new generation of TBMs

摘要

In recent years, tunnel construction work has become increasingly mechanized, and particularly the development and benefits of full-face tunnel boring machines have been fully recognized. Tunnel boring machines are classified in two types - soft ground and hard ground. Although both technologies are occasionally incorporated into a single machine, historically they have evolved independently and separately based on different functions and requirements suitable for each type of ground. However, since ground conditions are objects of nature, it is rare that a TBM will only encounter the single type of ground for which it was designed. As tunnels become longer and deeper, the possibility of meeting different types of ground conditions increases greatly. To meet and deal with these circumstances, a new generation of TBM has been developed, which will perform at high speed and over long distances, coping with a variety of ground conditions ranging from soft ground to hard rock.