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Introduction to TBM

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39 views

Introduction to TBM

Uploaded by

mjambholkar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a large, specialized piece of equipment used to

excavate tunnels through a variety of ground conditions, including soil, rock, and
mixed materials. TBMs are designed to dig circular cross-section tunnels with
minimal disruption to the surrounding area, making them essential for large
infrastructure projects like metro systems, road tunnels, water mains, and
sewage tunnels.
Key Features of a TBM:
1. Cutterhead: The front part of the TBM with rotating cutting discs or tools
that break up the ground.
2. Shield: The protective housing behind the cutterhead that supports the
surrounding ground while the tunnel is being excavated.
3. Conveyor System: A series of belts or screw conveyors that transport the
excavated material (muck) out of the tunnel.
4. Segment Erector: A system for placing precast concrete segments that
form the tunnel lining as the TBM advances.
5. Hydraulic Systems: Power the thrust cylinders that push the machine
forward by bracing against the completed tunnel lining.
Types of TBMs:
1. Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBM: Best for soft ground, this type
maintains pressure at the tunnel face to prevent collapses.
2. Slurry TBM: Also used for soft ground, it uses a slurry to balance pressure
and remove excavated material.
3. Hard Rock TBM: Designed for solid rock, equipped with disc cutters to
break through hard geological formations.
Advantages of Using TBMs:
 Precision: TBMs create smooth tunnel walls, reducing the need for
additional support structures.
 Safety: The closed excavation system minimizes risks for workers,
especially in unstable ground conditions. TBMs reduce the risk of workers
being injured by rock falls, explosives,

 Minimal Surface Disruption: TBMs work underground, causing little


interference with surface structures or traffic. TBMs cause less disturbance in
the excavation area, making them ideal for urban areas. TBMs produce much lower
vibrations than explosives, so they are safer to use in densely built-up areas.

 Faster excavation: TBMs can significantly reduce the excavation time of long
tunnels. TBMs can work continuously, which increases their advance rate.

Common Uses:
 Metro construction; eg. TBM is being used to construct metro tunnels in
Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai Kolkata etc.
 Highway tunnels; Our two projects in Mumbai ie. Thane Borivali road
tunnel and orange gate road projects are going to employ one of the
largest diameter TBM in India.
 Water supply and sewage systems; Mumbai is going to have 100 kms
water tunnel which will be second longest in the world. Most of these
tunnels have and will employ TBM for tunnel construction.
 Underground utilities installation
Finally, I would like to end this brief intro to TBM by saying that TBMs have
revolutionized tunneling projects by offering a safer, faster, and more efficient
method compared to traditional drilling and blasting techniques.

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