On July 26, 2024, the small-diameter double shield TBM “CREC 1456”, developed and manufactured by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group, Co. Ltd. (CREG), was successfully launched. The TBM will be used to bore the 9.59km-long water diversion tunnel of the north-south water system connectivity project in Zhuxi County, Hubei Province.

With an excavation diameter of 4.03m and a total length of approximately 420m, the TBM needs to bore a 9.59km-long tunnel with no intermediate access. What’s more, the maximum overburden is up to 790m. Thus, the TBM will face three major challenges during tunnelling, namely long distance, small cross section and complex strata. To efficiently cope with risks such as large fault zones and mud and water bursts during construction, the TBM is equipped with an advanced geological prediction system that is capable of real-time detection and warning of water bodies and adverse geological conditions ahead of the cutter head, ensuring construction safety. Additionally, the TBM is equipped with a smart tunnelling system that enables independent and smart tunnelling, significantly enhancing the intellectualization level in construction.

Upon the completion of the project, it will connect the Eping Reservoir with the Zhuxi River basin to establish a water network system that coordinates water resources, social economy and ecological environment, and address the issue of water scarcity in the Zhuxi River basin.