Abstract:

TBM is the most advanced equipment for tunnel construction. Tunneling by TBM is safe, fast and environmentfriendly. TBM has become the first equipment for tunnel construction in developed countries. However, TBM has not been widely used in China, which is harmful to the enhancing of the tunnel construction technology in China. In the paper, the status of TBM application in China is presented, the problems in TBM application in China are analyzed, the reasons why TBM has not been widely used in China are discussed, measures to promote TBM application in China are explored, and suggestions, including proper understanding of the application scope of TBM, proper reducing the cost of TBM, proper planning of works construction period and proper preparing of works cost, are made.

Key words: Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), tunneling, application promotion