On July 26th, 2024, the 4.03m diameter double shield TBM “CREC 1456”, developed and manufactured by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group, Co. Ltd. (CREG), was successfully launched on the 9.59km long water diversion tunnel on the north-south water system connectivity project in Zhuxi County, Hubei Province.
The TBM will need to bore the 9.59km long tunnel without intermediate access, and a maximum overburden of up to 790m. The TBM will subsequently face three major challenges during tunnelling, namely long distance boring, a small cross section, and complex ground conditions.
To efficiently cope with the risks, including large fault zones, and mud and water inflows during construction, the TBM is equipped with an advanced geological prediction system that is capable of real-time detection and the warning of water bodies and adverse geological conditions ahead of the cutter head, ensuring construction safety, says CREG.
Upon the completion, the project will connect the Eping Reservoir with the Zhuxi River basin establishing a water network system that coordinates water resources, social economy and the ecological environment, and address the issue of water scarcity in the Zhuxi River basin
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