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 technologyrnand realization where mechanized tunnelling technology displays one of the solutions becoming more andrnmore predominant today by creating conditions for environmentally friendly mobility of people and goods, byrncreating sustainable management of precious resources as well as the targeted development of raw materialsrnand energy sources. This article is focused on the mechanized tunnelling of very large diameter tunnel boringrnmachines (TBMs) for underground infrastructures. TBMs with diameters exceeding 15 meters are able tornconstruct tunnels safe, reliable, within the given time frame and fulfilling also the demand on high qualityrnstandards. The dimensions the projects take is shown with the successful completion of projects such as thernM30 highway tunnel in Madrid (EPB Shield Ø15.2m) Shanghai Changijiang Under River Tunnel Project inrnChina (Mixshield Ø15.43m), and the Galleria Sparvo Tunnel in Italy (EPB Shield Ø15.6m). These are onlyrna few mentioned very large diameter tunnel projects of today. The article addresses on TBMs with very largerndiameter which are currently in operation and design and have to deal with the complexity of geology, sidernconstraints and tight time schedules. The complexity to fulfill highest technology standards with TBMs willrnbe addressed which starts already in the design phase of a machine and is followed by the demand, input andrninvolvement of all parties in the project.