A shield tunneling machine, a large-scale equipment for tunnel excavation, can cost tens of millions to several hundred million. So, how many meters can such an expensive piece of equipment dig in a day? Let's talk about the tunneling speed of shield tunneling machines to provide some clarification.

　　How many meters can a shield tunneling machine dig in a day?

　　Generally, the daily advance of a shield tunneling machine may be around 10 to 30 meters, with large tunnel boring machines capable of exceeding 30 meters per day under favorable geological conditions.

　　The daily advance capacity of shield tunneling machines is influenced by various factors, including the machine model, construction environment, geological conditions, and the proficiency of the operating team. In particularly complex geological conditions such as hard rock, fault zones, or formations with high water content, the wear of the cutterhead intensifies, necessitating frequent replacements or repairs. In soft soils or loose sand formations, there is a risk of ground settlement and tunnel collapse, which may require a reduction in the advancing speed, leading to a significant decrease in the daily advance of the shield tunneling machine. The actual daily advance needs to be determined based on the specific circumstances of the project.

　　Therefore, generally speaking, under standard conditions, a shield tunneling machine can excavate 10 to 30 meters per day. However, the specific number may vary due to the particularities of the project.