The TBMs, which rolled off the production line in Changsha on March 26, will excavate the twin-tube 12.75km tunnel on the Verona-Fortezza line.
The 9.68m-diameter machines are 175m long and weigh around 2,600 tons.
CRCHI says the TBMs have been designed to meet the project’s challenges, including hard rock geology, long-distance tunnelling, and multiple fault zones. They feature optimised cutterhead structures, improved rock-breaking efficiency, and increased wear resistance, to improve adaptability and reliability in complex hard rock geology.
The TBMs are also equipped with advanced technologies, including permanent magnet synchronous motors, synchronous tunnelling and segment installation, automatic segment handling, and adaptive power management.
CRCHI also optimised access and enhanced human–machine interaction systems to improve working conditions and safety.
