Mechanized Tunneling is an advanced construction method that employs tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to excavate and install tunnels efficiently across a wide range of soil conditions—including soft soils, mixed ground, and hard rock. This technique is especially well-suited for longer drive lengths, typically exceeding 300 feet, and is commonly applied to tunnels ranging in diameter from 72 inches to 144 inches.
Due to the scale and complexity of this method, it requires substantial support space, with work areas typically ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet to accommodate staging equipment, spoil removal systems, and TBM operations.
Various types of tunnel liners can be installed using mechanized tunneling, including steel casing, tunnel liner plates, precast concrete pipe segments, and rib-and-lagging systems. These liners provide structural integrity and long-term durability, making mechanized tunneling a reliable and efficient choice for large-scale infrastructure and utility projects.
