Tunnel boring machine

Classic tunnelling shields can reach their technical or economic limits with their specific method when they have to drive through highly variable geologies. Along one tunnel alignment to be excavated, the variable ground can change from stable rock to soft water-bearing ground and vice versa, for example, on longer sections. Such alignments pose the most demanding challenges in tunnel construction. Herrenknecht has developed Multi-mode TBMs for cases like this, ensuring optimum safety and flexibility during the entire tunnelling process. These machines are flexibly designed in terms of support and excavation methods. The tunnelling mode can be adapted to changing ground, requiring relatively short conversion times and incurring only low costs. This means that even tunnels with extremely varying geological and hydrogeological conditions can be constructed safely and cost-effectively using the innovative Multi-mode TBM made by Herrenknecht.