China has achieved a significant milestone in tunneling technology with the successful trial of its intelligent shield tunneling system at the Chongtai Yangtze River Tunnel. This project is a crucial component of the Shanghai-Chongqing-Chengdu High-Speed Railway, enhancing connectivity and efficiency in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The Chongtai Yangtze River Tunnel is the world’s fastest underwater tunnel, designed for speeds of 350 km/h.
- The tunnel spans 14.25 km, with a 13.20 km shield section, making it the largest diameter high-speed rail shield tunnel globally.
- The project utilizes advanced intelligent construction technologies, improving efficiency and safety during construction.
- The tunnel connects Chongming District in Shanghai with Taicang City in Jiangsu Province, facilitating faster travel between major metropolitan areas.
Overview of the Project
The Chongtai Yangtze River Tunnel is a groundbreaking infrastructure project that integrates cutting-edge intelligent shield tunneling technology. Managed by Shanghai-Hangzhou High-Speed Railway Passenger Transport Co., Ltd. and constructed by China Railway Tunnel Group (CRTG), this tunnel is a vital link in China’s high-speed rail network.
Technical Specifications
- Total Length: 14.25 km
- Shield Section Length: 13.20 km
- Design Speed: 350 km/h
- Shield Diameter: 15.4 m
- Outer Diameter of Tunnel Segments: 14.8 m
- Maximum Water Pressure: 0.9 Mpa
Intelligent Construction Technologies
The construction of the Chongtai Yangtze River Tunnel involved the development and application of nine major intelligent construction technologies, including:
- Intelligent Perception
- Intelligent Design
- Prefabrication
- Excavation
- Installation
- Construction Management
- Environmental Control
- Transportation
- Overall Management
These technologies have significantly enhanced the efficiency and quality of the construction process, allowing for a single-headed excavation distance of 11.325 km, the longest in the world.
The Pioneer Shield Machine
The fully automated "Pioneer" shield machine has been instrumental in the project’s success. It has completed over 2,600 meters of excavation while autonomously navigating through sensitive ecological areas, such as the Yangtze River knifefish germplasm resource protection area. This operation is characterized as "attended but unmanned," showcasing the advanced capabilities of the technology.
Impact on Regional Connectivity
The completion of the Chongtai Yangtze River Tunnel will revolutionize travel between the Shanghai metropolitan area and the Nanjing metropolitan area. For the first time, high-speed trains will be able to cross the Yangtze River without slowing down, creating a new fast channel that enhances regional connectivity.
This project is also aligned with China’s national "Belt and Road" initiative, optimizing the railway network layout along the Yangtze River and promoting the high-quality integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. The successful implementation of this intelligent tunneling technology sets a precedent for future infrastructure projects in China and beyond.