China unveils the world’s largest tunnel boring machine to cross the Yangtze.
China continues to leave its mark on the construction sector, after a record broken a few months ago, it is preparing to launch a new “giant mole” with this tunnel boring machine of exceptional weight and size ( in English tunnel boring machine or TBM). With 5,000 tons and a cutting diameter of 16.64 meters, this giant is ready to drill a strategic tunnel under the Yangtze River (3rd largest river in the world by length after the Nile and the Amazon), connecting Nantong to Suzhou.
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This engineering colossus, called Jianghai, which means “the river and the ocean” in Chinese, is an illustration of the know-how acquired in recent years in China in the construction of increasingly complex and heavy machines. Assembled in Changsha, Hunan Province, Jianghai measures 145 meters in length. It is the result of a collaboration between China Railway Construction Heavy Industry (CRCHI) and the China Railway 14th Bureau Group, two giants of Chinese industry.
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Daily progression of 12 to 16 meters,
Le tunnelier Jianghai will be used to dig an 11.2 kilometer passage under the Yangtze River, as part of a 39 kilometer highway project expected to be completed in 2028. This ambitious project aims to pass through areas with major geological challenges, including layers of loose soil and silt, making traditional manual tunneling impractical. The design of the Jianghai allows daily progression of 12 to 16 meters, a notable performance given the difficulties of the terrain.
Exceptional drilling precision
The TBM is designed to maintain exceptional drilling precisionwith a maximum tolerance of 1 centimeter, to preserve the integrity of dams and river infrastructure near the Yangtze estuary. This precision requirement is crucial to the safety and efficiency of the project, reflecting China’s commitment to rigorous construction standards.
Innovation et industrialisation
Zhao Hui, president of CRCHIemphasizes that this tunnel boring machine represents a significant milestone in the development of large diameter tunnel boring machines in China. The machine is equipped with an integrated intelligent system, capable of reacting to varying geological conditions by providing strategic suggestions based on historical drilling data. This adaptability considerably improves the performance and security of the TBM.
Sustainable and scalable technology
The partnership between CRCHI and Tsinghua University has also resulted in innovations in water conservation and hydraulic engineering, positioning China as a leader in the advanced drilling sector. The hollow cutting head of TBM, specially designed for complex geological conditions, enables increased efficiency, underscoring China’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly construction solutions.
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Source : CRCHI
