They Dug a Tunnel Under a River With a 17-Meter Giant Machine: It Became the World’s Largest
In Jinan, the capital of China's Shandong province, a massive transportation project that will pass beneath the Yellow River is currently under construction. The project, named the Jinan Huanggang Road Yellow River Crossing Tunnel, aims to bolster transportation between the two banks of the river.
What makes this project stand out is the size of the tunnel. The shielded section underwater, with an approximate diameter of 17 meters, is being hailed as the world's largest underwater shield tunnel.
The underwater section was completed in 110 days.
One of the most striking aspects of the tunnel project was the construction speed. Excavation works kicked off on September 1, 2024, and the underwater shielded section was completed in just 110 days. This pace set a new record for shield tunnel construction in the 17-meter class.
The system used in this section constitutes the most critical part of the tunnel beneath the river. The shielded structure both stabilizes the ground and ensures the safe progression of the tunnel against water pressure.
Working under a large and challenging river like the Yellow River requires a much more delicate process compared to traditional land tunnels. This is because it's not enough to merely dig the soil; the water pressure, ground structure, sealing, and safety systems all need to be monitored simultaneously.
The excavation was carried out by a massive machine named "Shanhe".
During the excavation of the tunnel, a colossal tunnel boring machine named 'Shanhe' was employed. With a digging diameter of approximately 17.5 meters, the machine stands nearly as tall as a five-story building. Given its magnitude, the project appears not merely as a transportation endeavor, but also as a grand display of engineering.
Shanhe does more than just carve out the ground during excavation. It also removes the excavated material and assists in setting up the tunnel's protective lining system. Consequently, as the machine progresses, the main body of the tunnel gradually takes shape.
The design of the machine to operate under high pressure is also significant. Special pressure balancing systems are utilized to minimize risks such as collapse, water leakage, or ground instability during the underwater excavation. Moreover, the machine is equipped with systems to prevent blockages and cameras to monitor the excavation surface.
The tunnel will be double-decked and have six lanes.
Once completed, the Jinan Huanggang Road Yellow River Crossing Tunnel will serve as a double-decked roadway. The tunnel will feature a total of six lanes, allowing vehicle passage in both directions. The speed limit is planned to be set at 60 km/h.
This structure aims to facilitate transportation between Jinan's main urban area and the development zones north of the Yellow River. It is designed to reduce the natural barrier created by the river in urban transportation and strengthen the north-south connection.
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