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China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

Tech 2024-09-23 12:46:26 Source: Network

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China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"In the 200 years since tunnel boring machines (TBMs) were invented, they started in Britain, grew in Germany, Japan and the United States, ultimately reaching a new era of vigorous development in China. As a key technology for transportation infrastructure construction, TBMs play a crucial role

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

In the 200 years since tunnel boring machines (TBMs) were invented, they started in Britain, grew in Germany, Japan and the United States, ultimately reaching a new era of vigorous development in China. As a key technology for transportation infrastructure construction, TBMs play a crucial role. Countries around the world are investing heavily in this area, constantly pursuing more efficient construction speeds. So, how has China, known as the "infrastructure madman," performed in the field of TBM technology?

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

Tunnel Boring Machines: "Pioneers" of Underground Engineering

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

TBMs are large-scale engineering machinery primarily used for tunnel excavation, particularly in mountainous terrains, to provide convenient access for road construction. TBMs employ various excavation principles, with earth pressure balance and slurry TBMs being particularly important. Japan has achieved significant results in these two technologies, while Germany stands out in terms of sealing technology and high-pressure tool replacement, significantly increasing the single-pass excavation length of TBMs.

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

In 2017, the United States built the then-largest TBM in the world, "Bertha," with a length exceeding 100 meters, making it truly impressive. Due to their high technological content and complex manufacturing processes, TBMs are not cheap. Imported TBMs from Japan cost around 30 million RMB, while German TBMs are even pricier, with a single unit costing up to 50 million RMB.

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

China's TBMs: From Independent Research and Development to World Leadership

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

China used to rely heavily on imports of TBMs from overseas at exorbitant prices, leaving them at the mercy of others. However, thanks to the tireless efforts of Chinese scientists, a breakthrough in TBM technology was finally achieved in 2009, with the independently developed "China Railway No. 1" officially commencing excavation. Today, China boasts the largest number of TBMs in the world, with a total of 5,000 units!

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

"Excavation Tools" Sought After by Developed Nations

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

Despite their hefty price tag, TBMs remain highly coveted by countries around the world. This technology can increase the efficiency of subway excavation by 8-10 times while simultaneously avoiding large-scale demolition, traffic disruptions, construction noise, and ground subsidence, significantly impacting city development and residents' lives.

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

TBM Technology Showdown: China vs. USA vs. Germany

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

As the global leader in TBM technology, Germany's Herrenknecht AG holds a significant position in the international market due to its innovative nature and reliable quality. Driven by the Industrial Revolution, decades of uninterrupted R&D investment, supportive government policies, and German craftsmanship, German TBMs achieve an astonishing excavation speed of 6 meters per hour.

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

The United States, with its substantial financial resources, is chasing after TBM technology. In 2017, a large TBM named "Godot" worked tirelessly underground in Los Angeles, aiming to alleviate the city's traffic congestion. To achieve this goal, the US invested heavily in building the world's largest TBM, "Bertha."

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

China's TBMs: A Rising Star Leading the Pack

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

China started later in the TBM field but has developed at an astonishing pace. From importing to independent manufacturing to exporting, in just two to three decades, China has achieved a "qualitative leap." In 2015, China's first independently developed railway TBM with the largest diameter emerged, breaking the decades-long technological monopoly held by foreign countries. Since then, China's TBMs have continued to make breakthroughs, reaching world-leading levels in both technology and performance.

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

China Speed: The Miracle of 5-10 Meter-Per-Hour Excavation

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

Today, China has the largest number of TBMs in the world, and in terms of speed, it has left everyone in the dust, boasting the highest excavation speed of 5-10 meters per hour, creating a truly "China Speed." The development of China's TBMs fully demonstrates the strength of China's scientific and technological innovation and contributes Chinese wisdom to global infrastructure construction.

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

Conclusion

China Speed: Tunnel Boring Machines, From "Follower" to "Leader"

From "follower" to "leader," China's TBMs have completed the industrial processes that took Western countries decades, even a century, in just a few decades. China Speed is a testament to technological innovation and a true reflection of China's "infrastructure madman" status. In the future, China will continue to explore the field of TBM technology, bringing more surprises to the world.

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