China’s Railway Construction Heavy Industry Corp. (CRCHI) has exported the Shuangjing No.1 tunnel boring machine (TBM) to the Solomon Islands for the construction of a diversion tunnel at the Tina Hydropower Station. This project, led by the Solomon Islands government, poses various engineering challenges, which the TBM is specifically designed to overcome. Completion of the hydropower station is projected for early 2028, addressing a significant portion of the electricity demand in Honiara.
CRCHI has successfully exported its newly manufactured tunnel boring machine (TBM), Shuangjing No.1, to the Solomon Islands. This TBM, with an excavation diameter of 4.48 meters, was produced at the second industrial park located in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. It marks the first instance of a Chinese-made TBM being exported to this island nation.
The Shuangjing No.1 is set to play a crucial role in constructing a diversion tunnel for the Tina Hydropower Station, which is currently being developed in the Malango region of Guadalcanal Province. This project is spearheaded by the Solomon Islands government, backed by various financial institutions and partner governments.
The diversion tunnel slated for this hydropower station extends approximately 3.2 kilometers through challenging geological formations primarily made up of gravel and sandstone. Given these conditions, the project poses significant engineering challenges such as long-distance tunneling and traversing fractured rock zones, alongside high-pressure water conditions during excavation.
To address these challenges, CRCHI has designed Shuangjing No.1 with specific features to enhance performance and adaptability. These include a composite cutter head optimized for hard rock excavation, higher thrust and torque capabilities, and an integrated pressurized manlock. The TBM also incorporates extensive backup support systems and a sophisticated geological prediction mechanism to adjust to varying geological conditions during operations.
The export of CRCHI’s Shuangjing No.1 TBM to the Solomon Islands marks a significant advancement in China’s tunneling technology, particularly for hydropower projects. Its sophisticated design aims to tackle the demanding conditions of the Tina Hydropower Station, which will significantly boost the local energy supply upon completion. This project not only exemplifies China’s growing global influence in infrastructure but also its commitment to supporting the energy needs of developing nations.
Original Source: www.tunnelsandtunnelling.com
