TUNNELLING IN CHINA | WTC 2024


Above, figure 2: CREG’s EPB-Slurry-Open three-mode TBM breakthrough of Luogang to Shuixi section of Guangzhou metro Line 7 PHOTO CREDIT: CRTG


In terms of metro tunnels, by the end of 2022


there were 51 cities in mainland China with 243 urban rail lines, spanning a total length of 6,350km. It is noteworthy that 29 cities are each concurrently building more than three lines, 22 cities are engaged in projects with more than five lines, and seven cities are constructing more than 10 lines simultaneously. Over 23 cities are undertaking the construction of metros with total length of lines each exceeding 100km (see Figure 1). The last 20 years were the fastest-developing period


of the tunnelling industry in China. In addition to a large number of tunnels built, there are also around 20,000km of tunnels in total under construction, including 7,700km of railway tunnels. Even more tunnels are planned.


PROGRESS OF TUNNELLING TECHNOLOGY The progress in tunnelling technology in China covers a wide range of projects, including railways, roads, metro systems, water tunnels, sewerage tunnels, storage caverns, and so on. Various tunnelling methods, such as conventional approaches, TBM methods, D&B, and immersed tube methods have been employed. The geological challenges faced on the tunnel projects has ranged from hard rock and soft ground to special conditions like Karstic geology, loess, high water pressure, rock bursts, squeezing ground, and methane- rich environments. Valuable experience and lessons have been gained from constructing a multitude of tunnels under these varied and challenging conditions.


Above, figure 3: Three-dimensional reflection spectrum of HSP217T geology prediction system SOURCE: LU SONG December 2023 | 21


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