The “Longxing” dual-shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) has successfully passed its acceptance inspection and is expected to make a significant contribution to groundwater conservation and wetland protection during project construction in Dunhuang, Gansu Province.
The “Longxing” dual-shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) has successfully passed its acceptance inspection. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The “Longxing” TBM is the first dual-shield hard rock TBM from the “Chuan Shan Jia No.1” series developed by POWERCHINA Equipment Group Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA). Custom-designed for long tunnel alignments in high-altitude regions with narrow cross-sections, deep overburden, complex geological conditions, and demanding construction timelines, the TBM represents a milestone in China’s advanced tunneling equipment manufacturing.
The machine features a main cutterhead with a diameter of 4.87 meters and a main body length of approximately 12 meters. Its optimized cutterhead structure improves overall strength and stiffness, while enhanced rock reinforcement and support systems enable a perfect integration of high thrust and high torque capabilities. The TBM’s main bearing-to-excavation diameter ratio reaches an impressive 0.65.
Equipped with an advanced system integrating geological forecasting and pre-excavation grouting, the “Longxing” TBM offers multiple advantages: fast tunneling speed, smooth tunnel walls, minimal overbreak, enhanced safety and efficiency, shortened construction periods, and reduced environmental impact.
Since its launch, the TBM has achieved a cumulative tunneling distance of 3,327.47 meters, setting industry benchmarks with a peak daily advance of 40 meters and a monthly progress rate exceeding 700 meters.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
