Hard Rock TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) is an advanced mechanical equipment specifically designed for tunnel excavation in hard rock formations. It integrates multidisciplinary engineering technologies such as geology, mechanical engineering, materials science, and automation control to adapt to complex and changing underground environments. Compared to traditional tunneling methods like blasting, TBM technology is more efficient and safer, reducing disturbance to the surrounding environment.
1、How hard rock TBM works
The primary working principle of Hard Rock TBM is to crush and cut rocks using its rotating cutting head at the front. The cutting head is equipped with multiple hard alloy or diamond-inserted tools, which exert enormous impact and shear forces on the rocks under high pressure, breaking them and forming loose rubble piles, which are then removed from the tunnel through conveyors or other conveying mechanisms.
2、Core Components of Hard Rock TBM
Advancing System: Typically composed of multiple hydraulic cylinders, providing the necessary thrust for TBM to overcome rock resistance and advance forward.
Supporting System: As TBM excavates forward, prefabricated concrete or steel support rings are automatically installed at its tail to maintain tunnel stability and prevent collapse.
Navigation System: Utilizes advanced measurement technology to monitor the real-time position and direction of TBM, ensuring accurate excavation along the predetermined trajectory.
Control Room: TBM operators monitor equipment operation status here, manage propulsion, support, navigation systems, and adjust cutting parameters based on geological conditions.
3、Characteristics of Hard Rock TBM
Powerful Cutting Capability: Hard Rock TBM cutting head is designed to handle high-hardness rocks, usually equipped with hard alloy or diamond tools.
Stable Advancing System: Utilizes high-torque main drive and powerful thrust cylinders to ensure stable advancement under hard rock conditions.
Efficient Support Mechanism: Hard Rock TBM is equipped with an automatic support system, such as arch installation machine, which can quickly install prefabricated tunnel lining segments.
Precise Guidance Control: Integrates advanced measurement and guidance systems to ensure accurate excavation along the design path.
4、Applications of Hard Rock TBM
Construction of long tunnels and deep-buried tunnels.
High-speed railway, urban rail transit, and highway tunnel projects.
Development of mines and underground engineering.
Hard Rock TBM is suitable for hard rock geological formations such as granite and limestone. It features a sturdy structure, and its cutting head is typically equipped with high-strength roller cutters and scrapers capable of withstanding high-intensity rock impacts and wear. The advancing system and supporting system of Hard Rock TBM are also specially reinforced to adapt to the challenges of hard rock geology.