The historical background and development of TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) can be traced back to the 19th century. The following are the main development stages of TBM cutting machines:
### 1. Origin stage
-In 1846, Belgian engineer Henri Joseph Mauser designed the first TBM known as the "Pianshan Machine". Although this machine has not been tested in practice, it is considered the first TBM.
-In 1952, American engineer James Robbins attempted to combine pickaxes with rolling cutters to solve the cutting tool problems of early TBMs, but the initial experiments failed. Four years later, Robbins successfully replicated Williams' design from 100 years ago, using only rolling cutters, thus promoting the application of TBM.
### 2. Development and Promotion Stage
-In the mid-20th century, TBM technology saw significant improvements, particularly in cutting tools and other mechanical systems. The excavation speed of TBM in hard rock exceeds that of traditional drilling and blasting methods, creating conditions for the mechanization and standardization of tunnel construction.
-In the mid-1960s, China began researching and developing TBM technology, but due to various reasons, there was a significant gap in reliability and technical performance between domestically produced TBMs and foreign products, which prevented their widespread application in China.
### 3. Application and popularization stage
-In the mid-1980s, China began to introduce foreign TBM technology into its water diversion and railway tunnel projects. For example, the Tianshengqiao Hydropower Station diversion tunnel project introduced two second-hand TBMs from Robbins Corporation in the United States, marking the practical application of TBMs in China.
-Modern TBM technology has been widely applied worldwide, not only performing well in hard rock tunnel construction, but also achieving significant achievements in soft soil tunnel construction. Modern TBMs are usually divided into rock tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and soft soil tunnel boring machines (shield machines), and different types are selected according to geological conditions and engineering requirements.
