Constant Demand on Very Large Tunnel Boring Machine Diameters for the Construction of Today's Infrastructure Systems

摘要

The project demands of today's infrastructure systems are focused on a high level of technology and realization where mechanized tunnelling technology displays one of the solutions becoming more and more predominant today by creating conditions for environmentally friendly mobility of people and goods, by creating sustainable management of precious resources as well as the targeted development of raw materials and energy sources. This article is focused on the mechanized tunnelling of very large diameter tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for underground infrastructures. TBMs with diameters exceeding 15 meters are able to construct tunnels safe, reliable, within the given time frame and fulfilling also the demand on high quality standards. The dimensions the projects take is shown with the successful completion of projects such as the M30 highway tunnel in Madrid (EPB Shield Φ15.2m) Shanghai Changijiang Under River Tunnel Project in China (Mixshield Φ15.43m), and the Galleria Sparvo Tunnel in Italy (EPB Shield Φ15.6m). These are only a few mentioned very large diameter tunnel projects of today. The article addresses on TBMs with very large diameter which are currently in operation and design and have to deal with the complexity of geology, side constraints and tight time schedules. The complexity to fulfill highest technology standards with TBMs will be addressed which starts already in the design phase of a machine and is followed by the demand, input and involvement of all parties in the project.