China Advances in Shield Tunneling Machine Technology
The production of the largest shield tunneling machine marks a significant achievement in China's tunneling capabilities, with implications for domestic and international construction projects.
In a notable development in construction technology, a shield tunneling machine with a diameter of 15.7 meters has been produced and is set for export to Australia, highlighting China's growing leadership in tunnel boring technology.
This machine represents the largest diameter ever achieved by a Chinese manufacturer for export purposes, indicating a significant leap in capabilities within the sector.
Simultaneously, in the Chongming district of Shanghai, another Chinese-developed shield tunneling machine, known as 'Linghang,' successfully navigated its way through the ground beneath the Yangtze River under the supervision of engineers via remote control.
These shield tunneling machines, referred to as tunnel boring machines (TBMs), are regarded as some of the most sophisticated pieces of construction machinery due to their substantial scale and intricate technology.
Historically, TBMs were limited to horizontal tunneling; however, advancements in Chinese engineering have led to machines that can work in various orientations, including vertical and inclined pathways, earning them the nickname 'transformers' for their versatility.
A notable milestone was achieved with the 'Yongning' TBM, which became the first large-diameter machine in the world capable of climbing steep slopes.
It successfully excavated an inclined shaft spanning nearly 873 meters at the Luoning Pumped Storage Power Station in Henan province, where the slope measured at an angle of 38.742 degrees, highlighting advancements in technical capability and efficiency in construction processes.
Developed by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (CREG), the 'Yongning' TBM is part of a broader initiative that includes multiple research and development teams focused on creating TBMs suited for various excavation shapes—such as circular, square, horseshoe, and elliptical—broadening their application across different industries including water conservancy, hydropower, and underground construction.
In October 2024, China also introduced the 'Jianghai' TBM, which exceeds 16.6 meters in diameter, further establishing a new record for domestically developed machines.
The rising trend toward larger TBMs is attributed to their enhanced cost-efficiency.
As explained by experts from China Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., super-sized tunnels can replace the need for dual parallel tunnels, thereby optimizing underground space.
Tunnels exceeding 15 meters in diameter can also accommodate multiple infrastructure layers, integrating various transport and utility systems.
However, the increased size of these machines comes with greater technical challenges.
Experts note that as diameters approach and exceed 15 meters, the complexity of construction rises, necessitating stringent engineering standards to avert risks associated with unstable geology.
The trajectory of China's tunneling technology can be traced back to October 2017, when the first domestically produced 15-meter-class slurry balance TBM, called 'China Railway 306,' was developed, breaking a long-standing reliance on foreign technology.
This was followed by subsequent models like the 15.8-meter 'Chunfeng,' 16.07-meter 'Jinghua,' and now the 'Jianghai,' establishing a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem for ultra-large TBMs.
Currently, Chinese TBMs represent approximately 70 percent of the global market, underscoring the country's influential position in the tunneling machinery sector.
Ongoing innovation is focused on enhancing both the intelligence and sustainability of these machines.
For example, the 'Linghang' TBM operates autonomously while being constantly monitored through a sophisticated visual recognition system.
This level of technology reduces human intervention and improves operational safety by utilizing an advanced geological forecasting system that assesses ground conditions ahead of the excavation process.
Furthermore, the introduction of the world's first green TBM, 'the China Railway 1237,' in 2024 illustrates China's commitment to environmentally sustainable practices in tunneling.
This TBM, now being utilized in Italy for the construction of high-speed rail tunnels, optimizes energy consumption through an intelligent management system that minimizes emissions during operations, thereby gaining international acclaim for its eco-friendly credentials.
This machine represents the largest diameter ever achieved by a Chinese manufacturer for export purposes, indicating a significant leap in capabilities within the sector.
Simultaneously, in the Chongming district of Shanghai, another Chinese-developed shield tunneling machine, known as 'Linghang,' successfully navigated its way through the ground beneath the Yangtze River under the supervision of engineers via remote control.
These shield tunneling machines, referred to as tunnel boring machines (TBMs), are regarded as some of the most sophisticated pieces of construction machinery due to their substantial scale and intricate technology.
Historically, TBMs were limited to horizontal tunneling; however, advancements in Chinese engineering have led to machines that can work in various orientations, including vertical and inclined pathways, earning them the nickname 'transformers' for their versatility.
A notable milestone was achieved with the 'Yongning' TBM, which became the first large-diameter machine in the world capable of climbing steep slopes.
It successfully excavated an inclined shaft spanning nearly 873 meters at the Luoning Pumped Storage Power Station in Henan province, where the slope measured at an angle of 38.742 degrees, highlighting advancements in technical capability and efficiency in construction processes.
Developed by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Co., Ltd. (CREG), the 'Yongning' TBM is part of a broader initiative that includes multiple research and development teams focused on creating TBMs suited for various excavation shapes—such as circular, square, horseshoe, and elliptical—broadening their application across different industries including water conservancy, hydropower, and underground construction.
In October 2024, China also introduced the 'Jianghai' TBM, which exceeds 16.6 meters in diameter, further establishing a new record for domestically developed machines.
The rising trend toward larger TBMs is attributed to their enhanced cost-efficiency.
As explained by experts from China Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., super-sized tunnels can replace the need for dual parallel tunnels, thereby optimizing underground space.
Tunnels exceeding 15 meters in diameter can also accommodate multiple infrastructure layers, integrating various transport and utility systems.
However, the increased size of these machines comes with greater technical challenges.
Experts note that as diameters approach and exceed 15 meters, the complexity of construction rises, necessitating stringent engineering standards to avert risks associated with unstable geology.
The trajectory of China's tunneling technology can be traced back to October 2017, when the first domestically produced 15-meter-class slurry balance TBM, called 'China Railway 306,' was developed, breaking a long-standing reliance on foreign technology.
This was followed by subsequent models like the 15.8-meter 'Chunfeng,' 16.07-meter 'Jinghua,' and now the 'Jianghai,' establishing a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem for ultra-large TBMs.
Currently, Chinese TBMs represent approximately 70 percent of the global market, underscoring the country's influential position in the tunneling machinery sector.
Ongoing innovation is focused on enhancing both the intelligence and sustainability of these machines.
For example, the 'Linghang' TBM operates autonomously while being constantly monitored through a sophisticated visual recognition system.
This level of technology reduces human intervention and improves operational safety by utilizing an advanced geological forecasting system that assesses ground conditions ahead of the excavation process.
Furthermore, the introduction of the world's first green TBM, 'the China Railway 1237,' in 2024 illustrates China's commitment to environmentally sustainable practices in tunneling.
This TBM, now being utilized in Italy for the construction of high-speed rail tunnels, optimizes energy consumption through an intelligent management system that minimizes emissions during operations, thereby gaining international acclaim for its eco-friendly credentials.
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