Abstract: Prefabricated utility tunnel construction causes minimal damage to the construction site with high efficiency, and is economically beneficial when applying large-scale construction. In this study, the authors investigate the current development status of the prefabricated utility tunnel construction equipment in China, and elaborates on four types of mechanized construction equipment suitable for prefabricated assembly methods, i.e., gallery crane, rectangular pipe jacking machine, U-shaped shield, and U-shield pipe jacking machine. The basic configuration, working principle, efficacy analysis, and engineering application of these four types of equipment are presented. The research results show the following: (1) Compared with conventional cast-in-place construction, prefabricated assembly technology applied in the utility tunnels is convenient and fast, which can effectively shorten the construction period, reduce labor costs, improve the pouring quality of components, minimize the impact on the surrounding environment, and achieve "green construction". (2) The U-shield pipe jacking machine integrates the characteristics of small earthwork excavation volume, high mechanization efficiency, and strong construction adaptability, which can meet the needs of future utility tunnel construction and provide a new direction for the development of prefabricated utility tunnel construction equipment.

Key words: utility tunnel, mechanized construction, modularization, prefabricated erecting