Mechanised tunnelling, being significantly different
from conventional tunnelling, is sensitive to substantial geological changes which makes it impractical to conduct traditional geological mapping at the excavation face. Therefore, various innovations have been made to enhance geological prediction for TBM tunnelling in China. One of those innovations is the HSP217T Real-time
Tunnel Geological Prediction System developed by China Railway Academy. This system can be integrated into and used for different kinds of TBMs (hard rock, EPB and Slurry) that are manufactured by different companies The core innovative concept of the HSP217T prediction
system lies in utilising the vibration signals generated during TBM boring as the signal source. The prediction process comprises three steps: ● signal emission: TBM boring generates and emits vibration signals;
● signal reception: geophones installed on the tunnel contour can capture and receive the vibration signals; and,
● system analysis and alarm: the host HSP217T module, mounted on the TBM, efficiently performs and completes these tasks.
Without the need for additional seismic sources, this system can detect and display geological conditions (see Figure 3) up to 100m ahead of the TBM cutterhead in real-time, thus greatly enhancing the convenience and efficiency of geological prediction. To conserve a sustainable environment, the reuse of
excavated tunnelling material has become a priority. Advanced treatment technologies and comprehensive sets of equipment for both hard rock and soil have been developed and widely employed in mainland China. The most challenging aspect is the treatment and reuse of material excavated by EPB and slurry TBMs, as this kind of material typically contains a high water content. To solve the challenge, a specific system has been
developed and manufactured by CRHIC for EPB- excavated material in China and was first used on Shenzhen metro Line 14, and is now being employed on many other projects in China. It can realise multi-stage
19-25 April 2024
www.wtc2024.cn
separation, dehydration, and drying of residual soil, and produce aggregate, medium-fine sand, dry mud cake, and water, thus facilitating the reduction of transported excavated material. This solution not only promotes environmental protection but also enables the effective reuse of excavated material. These developments will be discussed at WTC 2024,
along with opportunities to have Technical Site Visits (see Box Panels 1 & 2). Last but not least, the ITA’s 50th-anniversary
celebration at WTC2024 promises to be a memorable event. On the morning of 23 April, a special meeting will announce the ITA’s selection of the 50 global outstanding tunnel projects over the period, alongside various other celebrations. Beyond technical exchanges, participants can look
forward to a rich cultural experience in Shenzhen with the inclusion of diverse elements from Chinese traditional culture in the social events of WTC2024. It’s set to be an unforgettable blend of technical insights and cultural immersion.
Above, figure 8:
Self-compacting concrete of steel shell immersed tube element casting in the factory
PHOTO CREDIT: SHEN-ZHONG LINK MANAGEMENT CENTER
REFERENCES 1 Gong, J., Wang, W., Li, X., et al. (2023) Statistics of railway tunnels in China by the end of 2022 and overview of key tunnels of projects newly put into operation in 2022[J]. Tunnel Construction, 2023, 43(4): 721.
2 Qin, F., Wang, S., Xiao, B., et al. (2022) Statistics of super-long highway tunnels over 10 km in China as of the end of 2021[J]. Tunnel Construction, 2022, 42(6): 1111.
3 China Association of Metros. (2022) Annual statistics and analysis report of urban rail transit [EB/OL]. (2023-03-31) [2023-11-16].
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