World’s 1st: China’s boring-blasting machine claims 30% efficient tunneling© Provided by Interesting Engineering

Scientists in China have developed a machine that can boost the efficiency of excavating extremely hard rocks. Dubbed as the world’s first boring and blasting machine (BBM), the machine is expected to solve challenges in large tunnel constructions.

The machine uses completely different methods for drilling and blasting and is claimed to be a boon for water conservancy, mining, railways and highway projects.

Combination of multiple technologies

With the power of modern tunnel boring machines, it’s a combination of multiple technologies and is expected to operate in a range of complex geological environments.

The machine features two cutter heads and leverages the complementary advantages of each method, improving efficiency while also being environmentally friendly. The BBM has completed trials under three different working conditions, reported SCMP.

The trial results showed that “under extremely hard rock conditions, the efficiency of the hollow cutter head can be increased by 30 per cent after pre-cracking treatment.”

Combines the functions of tunnel boring machines

“It effectively combines the functions of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and traditional drilling and blasting methods, featuring multiple excavation modes,” Chen Jiale, a researcher at China Railway Science & Industry Group Corporation (CRSIC), told China’s Science and Technology Daily.

The machine can easily replace traditional TBMs as they as easily jam or slow down during complex geological conditions. TBMs also face difficulties while working in rock bursts or significant deformations in soft rock.

Developed by CRSIC and Tsinghua University’s National Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering, the new machine can perform in large fault fracture zones and sudden mud or water inflows.

BBM’s ring cutter head makes it an almost all-weather-proof machine that can excavate in extreme geological conditions.

The machine has a dual-mode operation that powers it to use drill and blast method simultaneously. It increases the speed of operations that enhances construction efficiency.

The machine has a hollow cutter head that helps it to get a passage during any complex geological conditions.

Researchers from Tsinghua University feel that the machine has extensive application value and is expected to be used in large-scale water conservancy and “hydropower projects, mining, and the construction of highways and railways, establishing China as a world leader in technology and equipment.”

CRSIC has contributed to the development of major heavy construction equipment used in some of the country’s most challenging infrastructure projects, according to SCMP.

CRSIC is part of the state-owned China Railway Group and it has previously developed the large shield tunneling machine Jiangcheng Pioneer, as well as Lu Wu, China’s first 1,000-tonne single-beam bridge erecting machine.