Challenges and Perspectives inMechanized Tunnelling Technology for Infrastructure Systems

Two trends have become discernible in the development of mechanized tunnelling technology in recent years: firstly demands on the engineering technology have risen significantly. Secondly ever more complex challenges have to be mastered regarding the technical and logistical aspects of projects. Essentially the feasibility of mechanized tunnelling is governed by the subsoil conditions as well as long tunnel drives, larger tunnel profiles and ever more frequently even greater groundwater pressures. Surface requirements (densely built-up inner-city areas, constricted space conditions at the access and target shafts) determine the design of tunnelling installations for an increasing number of projects and pose challenges on the construction site logistics. The future-oriented infrastructural projects call for mature engineering technology that is adapted to growing demands.Thus Mixshields both in their classical operating mode as a shield with fluid-supported face as well as a shield with alternating operating mode, are being used for an ever increasing range of applications. This type of machine has turned out to be a multi-purpose solution for projects posing high demands by dint of its engineering concept. Parallel to this, EBP Shields have extended their range of applications thanks to the introduction of foam conditioning and have gained in popularity following successful projects in the Far East and in Europe as well. At present EPB Shields are also being used for heterogeneous subsoil conditions. In hard rock the developments in mechanized tunnelling turns in direction of handling more and more demanding rock massifs of high abrasivity and high rock strength but also the mastering of squeezing rock conditions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Future-oriented infrastructural projects ، Feasibility of tunnel visions