Tunnel Boring Machine
The typical methods for constructing a tunnel in the mountains are using explosives for blasting or tunnel boring machines. Considering that the tunnel alignment passes through the area of Kam Shan Country Park, using a tunnel boring machine can effectively reduce the impact on the surrounding environment, including vibration and noise. Besides, excavation and lining installation can be carried out simultaneously, which reduces the overall construction time.
The water tunnel between Lower Shing Mun Reservoir and Kowloon Byewash Reservoir was constructed by a Double-shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). The TBM is a machine designed specifically for tunnel construction in the modern construction industry. It is equipped with a steel cutterhead at the front end. The disc-shaped roller cutter mounted on the cutter head is an excavation tool for breaking hard rocks. The TBM used in this project can excavate, remove excavated materials and simultaneously install the precast tunnel segment.
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Diameter: |
3.835m |
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Total Length: |
147m |
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Cutterhead Features: |
24 no. of 17’ cutter disc |
