Technical Overview

Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) represent advanced engineering technology designed for excavating tunnels with circular cross-sections through varying soil and rock strata. These sophisticated machines combine cutting technology, ground support, and material removal systems in a single integrated unit.

Key Global Statistics and Records:

Maximum Performance Records:

• Highest monthly advance: 2,169m (NFM TBM, Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link, Hong Kong, 2020)
• Best daily advance: 124.4m (Robbins TBM, Jilin Water Project, China, 2021)
• Largest diameter: 17.6m (Herrenknecht TBM, Orlovski Tunnel, Russia)
• Deepest tunnel: 2,400m (Robbins TBM, Jinping-II Hydroelectric Project, China)
• Longest tunnel drive: 27.3km (Herrenknecht TBM, Brenner Base Tunnel, Austria/Italy)

Average Performance Metrics:

• Typical advance rates in hard rock: 15-25m/day
• Typical advance rates in soft ground: 20-30m/day
• Average machine availability: 45-55%
• Average utilization: 35-45%
• Standard maintenance cycles: 200-300 ring intervals
• Average maintenance cycle: 200-250 rings
• Minimum curve radius: 250m
• Best daily advance: 124.4m

Performance by Ground Type:
Hard Rock (>100 MPa):

• Average advance rate: 12-18m/day
• Cutter life: 200-300 cubic meters/cutter
• Typical thrust: 25,000-35,000 kN

Mixed Ground:

• Average advance rate: 15-22m/day
• Intervention frequency: Every 500-1000m
• Tool replacement: 30-40% more frequent

Soft Ground:

• Average advance rate: 20-35m/day
• Ring build time: 30-45 minutes
• Typical earth pressure: 2-4 bar

Project Size Statistics:
Small Diameter (<6m):

• Average advance: 15-25m/day
• Typical project duration: 6-12 months
• Setup time: 2-3 weeks

Medium Diameter (6-10m):

• Average advance: 12-20m/day
• Typical project duration: 12-24 months
• Setup time: 3-4 weeks

Large Diameter (>10m):

• Average advance: 8-15m/day
• Typical project duration: 24-36 months
• Setup time: 4-6 weeks

Regional Performance Variations:
Europe:

• Average advance rates: 15-25m/day
• Machine availability: 50-60%
• Typical overcut: 15-20cm

Asia:

• Average advance rates: 20-30m/day
• Machine availability: 55-65%
• Typical overcut: 12-18cm

North America:

• Average advance rates: 18-28m/day
• Machine availability: 48-58%
• Typical overcut: 15-25cm

Cost Metrics:

• Average cutter consumption: 0.3-0.5 cutters/meter
• Energy consumption: 250-400 kWh/meter
• Segment cost ratio: 15-25% of tunnel cost

TBM Performance Data Overview

Note 1: Production rates are indicative only.

Note 2: Rates vary based on:

• Ground conditions
• Water pressure
• Urban constraints
• Machine type
• Crew experience
• Logistics efficiency

Note 3: Advance rate calculation:
AR = (U × H × P × E) / 24, where:

• AR = Advance rate (m/day)
• U = Utilization (%)
• H = Operating hours
• P = Penetration rate (mm/min)
• E = Efficiency factor

Influencing Factors:

• Geology
• Groundwater
• Surface constraints
• Logistics
• Segment supply
• Maintenance regime
• Crew skills
• Environmental controls

Actual volumes may vary due to:

• Ground conditions
• Station caverns
• Cross passages
• Additional excavation requirements

Other production rates – Indicative only

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