A TBM developed by CRCHI (China Railway Construction Heavy Industry Corporation) deployed on a water diversion project in Türkiye delivered an impressive performance in June.
The EPB TBM achieved a daily advance of 34m, a weekly advance of 215m, and a monthly advance of 770m.
Designed specifically for the project’s long-distance hard-rock conditions, the TBM has an excavation diameter of 7.78m and is 144m long. The reinforced cutterhead is equipped with 19-inch disc cutters to enhance rock-breaking capability. To address safety in areas where methane gas may be present, the TBM incorporates a closed muck discharge system with localised explosion-proof design.
It is also equipped with intelligent technologies, including an online disc cutter wear monitoring system and a muck volume scanning system, providing real-time data to support efficient and reliable tunnelling operations.
CRCHI’s technical service team has provided hands-on training for local crews in TBM operation and maintenance. To address the project’s complex and changing geological conditions, the team has continuously optimised tunnelling parameters and maintenance strategies in real time, helping to maximise performance and minimise downtime.
CRCHI has established a strong presence in the Turkish market over the years, with multiple TBMs deployed on major infrastructure projects, including metro systems and water diversion schemes, in cities such as Istanbul and Izmir.
