The title of the most advanced tunnel boring machine (TBM) is continually evolving, as manufacturers develop new technologies to tackle increasingly complex tunneling projects. Here are eight of the most advanced TBMs in the world:
1. Tuen Mun–Chek Lap Kok TBM (Hong Kong)
In 2015, Hong Kong deployed a TBM with a diameter of 17.6 meters for the Tuen Mun–Chek Lap Kok Link, making it the largest TBM ever built at that time. Manufactured by Herrenknecht, this Mixshield TBM was designed to handle the complex geological conditions beneath the seabed, ensuring the successful completion of the subsea tunnel.
2. Bertha
Manufactured by Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Bertha had a bore diameter of 17.45 meters. It was used for Seattle's Highway 99 tunnel project, although it faced significant operational challenges during its deployment.
3. Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement TBM (Seattle, USA)
Known as "Bertha," this TBM had a diameter of 17.48 meters and was used in 2011 for the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement tunnel in Seattle. Built by Hitachi Zosen, Bertha was one of the largest TBMs globally and played a crucial role in replacing the aging viaduct with a safer underground highway.
4. Santa Lucia Tunnel TBM (Italy)
For the Santa Lucia Tunnel on Italy's A1 motorway, a TBM with a diameter of 15.87 meters was employed in 2016. Manufactured by Herrenknecht, this Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBM was instrumental in constructing one of the longest land tunnels in Europe, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time. citeturn0search9
5. Wuhan Yangtze River Tunnel TBMs (China)
In 2015, two Mixshield TBMs, each with a diameter of 15.76 meters, were utilized for the Wuhan Metro's Yangtze River Tunnel. These machines were essential in constructing the underwater tunnel, improving urban transit and connectivity across the Yangtze River.
6. Sparvo Tunnel TBM (Italy)
The Sparvo Tunnel, part of Italy's A1 motorway expansion, saw the use of a 15.55-meter diameter EPB TBM in 2011. Also built by Herrenknecht, this machine facilitated the construction of a key segment of the motorway, enhancing transportation efficiency in the region.
7. Martina
Also built by Herrenknecht AG, Martina is the largest hard rock TBM globally, with an excavation diameter of 15.62 meters and a total length of 130 meters. It was utilized for the Sparvo Tunnel in Italy, part of the Variante di Valico project.
8. Mavala
This Single Shield earth pressure balance TBM was used for Mumbai's Coastal Road project. With a diameter of 12.19 meters and a length of 82 meters, Mavala set a world record by excavating 456.72 meters in a single month.
These TBMs represent significant advancements in tunneling technology, enabling the construction of complex infrastructure projects worldwide.