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According to the actual condition of the land needed to excavate and the characteristics of the tunnel planned, various TBM models have been designed and developed. Some TBM models are as follows:
Earth Pressure Balance TBM (EPB)
The earth pressure balance TBM, or EPB, is a type of tunnel boring machine specially used in ground or earth materials known as cohesive soils and in hydro mixt conditions. In cohesive soils, the stability of the excavated face of the tunnel is required to be maintained, and EPB plays this critical role. The EPB keeps the pressure of the excavation face by balancing it with the pressure produced by the soil-frictional arch of the excavated soil. EPB controls this soil arc formation and the pressures by the use of a working fluid or a paste in the excavation process. This fluid or paste is known as excavated support or chamber pressure. Not only this, but EPB also manages the pressure inside the excavation chamber by managing the working fluid's volume and introduction. This method is crucial in situations where the soil is exerting hydrostatic pressure due to the presence of groundwater or water from other sources. If EPB were not used, then there would be a high risk of face collapse and other tunneling issues. In such geoengineering conditions where cohesive soils and groundwater forces are present, the use of EPB is highly appropriate and essential for safe and effective tunneling operations.
Shield TBM
A Shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a specialized piece of equipment used for constructing tunnels through a variety of ground conditions. It employs a sectional shield to support soils or other materials around the cutting head as the tunnel is excavated. This shielding process prevents any potential ground deformation from occurring ahead of the cutting face, effectively mitigating the risk of surface subsidence. By providing immediate support to the surrounding soil or rock as the tunnel is excavated, Shield TBMs help ensure the stability of the tunneling operation and minimize any impact on the surface or nearby structures.
Modified Machined Boring System (MBS)
The Modified Boring Machine System (MBS) is an innovative approach to tunneling that provides significant enhancements over traditional tunneling methods. One of the key features of MBS is its ability to control ground water, which is a common challenge faced during tunneling operations. By effectively managing ground water levels and pressures, MBS reduces the potential for soil erosion, face instability, and other tunneling-related issues. This aspect alone makes it a preferable option in areas where high groundwater conditions are encountered, as well as in challenging geological formations such as gravel, sand, and mixed soils. Not only does MBS control ground water, but it also allows for the use of diverse drilling techniques tailored to specific project requirements and ground conditions. These methods can include aspects such as Micro tunneling, which involves high-precision, remote-controlled pipe jacking through small-diameter tunnels; Mixed-face TBMs designed to excavate through varying geological formations simultaneously; and MCCS (Multi-Commodity Circular Section) technology that enables the efficient excavation of large-diameter tunnels for multiple utility corridors.
Hydro shield TBM
A Hydro Shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a specialized piece of equipment used for constructing tunnels in conditions where water or other fluid pressure may be present. These machines are designed to excavate tunnels under challenging circumstances, such as in underwater or highly saturated ground formations. One of the defining characteristics of Hydro Shield TBMs is their ability to withstand and operate under varying fluid pressures, including hydrostatic pressures from water bodies or other liquids. This pressure resistance ensures that the machine can continue tunneling even in environments where fluid pressure could pose risks to its operation or the safety of the workers.
Froth-assisted bucket wheel excavator
A froth-assisted bucket wheel excavator is a specialized piece of equipment used for dredging and excavation operations in challenging geological and fluid conditions. This machine employs a unique method of excavating material through the use of buckets mounted on a rotating wheel. The froth aspect of this excavator refers to the stable froth formed from liquid, including water, air, and surfactant during its operation. This froth serves multiple purposes, including the efficient separation of excavated materials, suppression of dust generated during the process, and providing an enhanced lubrication system to reduce friction and wear on the equipment. The froth not only aids in material processing but also plays a vital role in cooling and lubricating the cutting tools, chains, and other components of the bucket wheel excavator.
Open-faced TBM
An open-faced tunnel boring machine (TBM) is a specialized piece of equipment used for excavating tunnels in various types of soil and rock formations. Unlike shielded TBMs that provide support to the material in front of the cutting face, open-faced TBMs allow the surrounding material to flow into the excavation chamber freely. This design enables the immediate removal of excavated material from the tunnel, facilitating continuous tunneling operations. Open-faced TBMs are well-suited for use in stable geological formations where there is little risk of collapse or deformation from loose material or soils. Their open-faced design allows the surrounding material to provide natural support and stability as the tunnel is excavated.
Specifications of anTBM model can vary according to the type and manufacturer. Here are the key specifications one may need to know.
Maintaining TBM models is important to ensure machine functionality. Here are a few maintenance tips.
The application scenarios of TBM models are mainly concentrated on the teaching and training of tunnel boring machines and TBM cutters. They are usually used in the following application scenarios.
Education and Training
TBM models are valuable tools for education and training purposes. They can be used to teach students, engineers, and operators about the principles, components, and operation of tunnel-boring machines. Hands-on training with these models can enhance understanding and promote safe and efficient TBM operation in real-world scenarios.
Project Presentations
Inspire project stakeholders, investors, or clients, TBM models can be used during project presentations to showcase the tunneling strategy and highlight the advantages of the chosen TBM design. They provide a visual aid for effective communication and decision-making, facilitating project development and funding acquisition.
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
TBM models can also be utilized for troubleshooting and maintenance training. They assist in developing maintenance schedules, identifying potential issues, and practicing troubleshooting techniques. By training on these models, operators and maintenance personnel can become familiar with the TBM's components, leading to more effective maintenance and reduced downtime.
Research and Development
The efficiency of TBMs can be improved through the R&D of their models. The TBM model can be used to experiment with new materials and technologies for TBM construction, such as advanced cutting heads, soil conditioning systems, or muck removal methods. By testing these innovations on the TBM model, researchers can evaluate their performance and viability for future tunneling projects.
Business buyers should consider the following factors when selecting tunnel boring machine models.
Soil Conditions and Ground Support
Different TBM models work better in distinct soil types. For example, the Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBM is great for cohesive and mixed soils, while the Gripper TBM is more suited for rocky ground. Also, the kind of support needed for the tunnel, like pipes or arches, is important to think about when picking a TBM.
Tunnel Size and Shape
The diameter and shape of the tunnel also affect the choice of TBM. If a circular tunnel with a diameter of 5 meters or less is required, a standard EPB TBM will suffice. However, for larger tunnels or if other tunnel shapes, such as rectangular or oval, are needed, consider using open-faced TBMs, such as single-shield or double-shield TBMs, or using multiple TBMs.
Project Budget and Timeline
Business buyers must also consider the project's budget and deadline. Some TBM types may cost more to rent or buy. Buyers will also need to think about how fast the chosen TBM can dig to meet project timelines. In this case, they may need to trade off between tunnel boring machine efficiency and project budget constraints, such as purchasing a TBM that is not the most efficient for the project but will have a lower upfront cost.
Q1: What does TBM stand for in tunneling?
A1: TBM is an abbreviation for tunnel boring machine.
Q2: What are the steps in tunnel construction using TBM?
A2: The process starts with building a retrieval system at the end of the tunnel. Then, the TBM front section is built followed by launching the machine. As the TBM drives into the ground further, temporary supporting structures may be added. Finally, the TBM is dismantled and its components transported back.
Q3: What are some drawbacks of using TBM for tunneling?
A3: TBMs are very expensive. They also need a large skilled crew to operate them.
Q4: What are some alternatives to tunnel boring machines?
A4: The natural flow method, cut-and-cover method, pipe-jacking method, and the New Austrian Tunneling method are some alternatives to TBMs.
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