The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines

#1

Post by jseliger » Tue, Oct 10, 2023, 8:15 PM UTC

The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines
construction-physics.com

Re: The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines

#2

Post by rolph » Tue, Oct 10, 2023, 8:29 PM UTC

this is likely to become critical tech in the coming years.

Re: The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines

#3

Post by pugworthy » Tue, Oct 10, 2023, 8:51 PM UTC

That was an entertaining and educating read. I had not realized just how relatively recent rock tunneling advancements were.

Also the idea of adding grout between the rough bored tunnel and the tunnel lining - what a great way to create a full physical connection given the probable irregularities of the tunnel.

Re: The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines

#4

Post by peterpost2 » Tue, Oct 10, 2023, 8:56 PM UTC

rolph wrote: post #2

this is likely to become critical tech in the coming years.

How is this not already critical tech?

Re: The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines

#5

Post by rolph » Tue, Oct 10, 2023, 8:59 PM UTC

peterpost2 wrote: post #4

rolph wrote: post #2

this is likely to become critical tech in the coming years.

How is this not already critical tech?

we dont have to abandon the surface quite yet, but soon

Re: The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines

#6

Post by teruakohatu » Tue, Oct 10, 2023, 9:19 PM UTC

> During construction of the Hudson River Tunnel in 1889, 25% of the workers died from decompression sickness.

Less interesting but of far greater value to humanity has been the innovation in heath and safety regulations.

According to this article [1] one worker died per foot of the Hudson River Tunnel.

> In 1906, attitudes toward the sandhogs changed after a series of accidents beneath the East River. Blown-out tunnels put the dangers of the profession on display in a way few New Yorkers could ignore, and the Progressive-Era press worked to publicize them. Suddenly, sandhogs were big news, and people started to complain about their high death rates.

[1] https://daily.jstor.org/the-sandhogs-who-built-the-new-york-...

Re: The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines

#7

Post by bilsbie » Tue, Oct 10, 2023, 9:19 PM UTC

Why can’t we copy how tree roots or worms tunnel?

Re: The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines

#8

Post by dieselgate » Tue, Oct 10, 2023, 9:23 PM UTC

Very cool article as someone who has had little to no exposure on this topic.

A very interesting youtube channel [1] I recently came across is Cutting Edge Engineering Australia - they do mostly heavy equipment repair/fab.

Some common tools used are air-arc gougers for clean and rapid removal of material along with mill/lathe machining. Had never really considered the conceptual transfer over to something like tunnel boring (air powered debris and rotational removal) but it seems similar.

[1] Repair & Upgrade DAMAGED Bucket for 30T Excavator | Gouging & Welding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzi7eOr-3lA

Re: The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines

#9

Post by atoav » Tue, Oct 10, 2023, 9:25 PM UTC

bilsbie wrote: post #7

Why can’t we copy how tree roots or worms tunnel?

Because we need a straight tunnel in a year and not a winded one in a few decades?

Re: The Evolution of Tunnel Boring Machines

#10

Post by teruakohatu » Tue, Oct 10, 2023, 9:26 PM UTC

bilsbie wrote: post #7

Why can’t we copy how tree roots or worms tunnel?

The article addresses this. The early tunnel boring machines were inspired by worms that bore through wood.