Some basic TBM designs
Abstract
TBM designs have evolved in a very creative way particularly during the last quarter of the 20th century, in an effort to tackle ever-wider ranges of rock conditions with improved control of advance rates. Two basic types of machine are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 , a so-called open machine and a shielded machine. Several hundred meters of back-up equipment are associated with units of this size. The total investment and delivery time for new machines emphasises the need for reliable prognoses of rock conditions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Tunneling and Rock Mechanics
Rock Mechanics and Modeling
Geotechnical Engineering and Analysis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 4–6
- Publication date
- 19 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter