The TBM, named Fuhe, will be deployed in the excavation of the No. 6 auxiliary tunnel of the Xianglushan Tunnel, Dali Section I of the water diversion project in the central part of Yunnan Province.
With a boring diameter of 10.23m and a total length of approximately 190m, the TBM consists of a main machine, a service bridge, and 10 trailing support units. The entire system weighs 2,500 tons and is designed to excavate a total length of 15.51km.
The TBM has been designed to tackle the challenges of the alignment’s complex geology which includes soft rock deformation and high-pressure, water-rich sections. The TBM also features an advanced digital drilling rig and an anchor cable drilling system that together enable integrated geological forecasting, tunnel face reinforcement, and vault support, ensuring safety for long-distance tunnelling on steep gradients.
The water diversion project is one of the 172 major water-saving and supply projects designated by the State Council. It aims to improve water supply in central Yunnan and ensurd the region’s sustainable development. The project spans a total of 664km, with over 92% consisting of tunnels. Once completed, it is expected to divert an average of 3.4 billion m3 of water annually, benefiting more than 11 million people in cities such as Kunming and Yuxi.
