The second TBM at the Finne Tunnel in Germany broke through earlier this month. Some 200 invited guests were present as the machine entered the prepared reception pit.
The two TBMs broke through four and six months prior to their planned arrivals. This was achieved with peak advance rates of up to 800m of bored tunnel per month.
The two high-speed rail tunnels, 6,825m long with a 10.82m diameter, were driven in 19 months (TBM 1) and 14 months (TBM 2). These periods include the construction of the slurry shield sections, each taking approximately six months, and the underground conversion of the TBMs.
