Application and future development of TBM in water project construction
ZHAO Yufei
ZHANG Yunpei
YANG Jianxi
YE Ming
XU Quan
Abstract：The Tunnel Boring Machine(TBM)has been widely used in tunnel construction for water resources,transportation,and mining projects.Owing to its high degree of mechanization and digital integration,the TBM method ensures safer and more efficient construction than the conventional drill-and-blast method under suitable geological conditions,particularly in medium-hard rock.In recent years,water conveyance and hydraulic tunnel projects have tended to feature longer lengths,larger diameters,and greater burial depths,with increasingly stringent construction requirements,making TBM construction more preferable.Improvements in domestic TBM manufacturing have significantly enhanced overall performance,key component fabrication capabilities,and the level of intelligent operation,thereby improving adaptability to complex geological conditions.This paper systematically reviews the application progress and future directions of TBM technology in China's water projects,focusing on three aspects:first,summarizing practical experiences in representative projects,such as the Hanjiang-to-Weihe River Diversion Project and the Central Yunnan Water Diversion Project,in addressing complex geological conditions,and outlining the development trajectory of TBM-based hydraulic tunnel construction;second,analyzing innovative breakthroughs in new equipment,new materials,and new technologies that enhance TBM adaptability,and identifying core technologies and persistent bottlenecks;third,exploring frontier applications of intelligent and digital technologies for enabling autonomous decision-making,self-sensing,and green construction,and highlighting the significance of big data and artificial intelligence in future water project development.The study aims to provide a systematic reference for the advancement and practical application of TBM technology in China's water projects,promoting continuous technological iteration and innovation across the sector.
Keywords：TBMwater projectstunnel engineeringconstructionnew equipmentnew materialsnew technologiescomplex geologyintelligent
Publication Date：2025-11-12
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-21(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：9( 56-64 )