CR202 - A large TBM for a large tunnel

 

A view of the front of the TBM.
Source: Herrenknecht

Recently, German tunnel boring machine (TBM) manufacturer - Herrenknecht - uploaded several images of the machine numbered S-1365 onto its website. The TBM will be used for contract CR202 to construct the large diameter single bore tunnel through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, connecting Cross Island Line (CRL)'s phases 1 and 2. The contract, won by a joint venture between Obayashi & Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co, was the first of several CRL2 contracts to be awarded.

A view of the piston rams that will heave the machine forwards by pushing against assembled ring
segments.
Source: Herrenknecht

A view of the TBM during the factory acceptance tests held in May 2024.
Source: Herrenknecht

The TBM has a diameter of 12.6m and will be used to bore a tunnel of approximately 5.015km, stretching from Fairways Drive to Sin Ming Walk. The tunnel section within the CCNR is expected to go as deep as 70m below ground level, minimising disturbances to the surface. We understand that the machine underwent factory acceptance tests before being shipped out and delivered to the launch shaft within the compound of the former Bukit Timah Saddle Club. The TBM will be assembled on site before being launched towards Sin Ming and the connection point with CRL1.

This post will also be available on Instagram & Facebook on 2 December 2024.