China produced the first roadheader with a diameter of 3.4m in 1966, which was tested in Hangzhou civil air defense project. In 1970s, it entered the industrial test stage, and trial-produced SJ55, SJ58, SJ64 and EJ30 roadheader. In 1980s, it entered the practical stage, and developed SJ58A, SJ58B, SJ40/45, EJ30/32 and EJ50 roadheader, which were used in the Luanhe River Diversion Project in Hebei, Longmen Beach Project in Fujian, Yellow River Diversion Project in Qingdao, Yangchang Coal Mine in Yunnan, Guiyang Coal Mine, Gujiao Coal Mine in Shanxi and Huairen Coal Mine. However, compared with foreign roadheader, there is still a considerable gap in technical performance and reliability, so we must speed up the research, design and production of the whole machine to catch up with the international advanced level.
Since China implemented the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, foreign large-scale TBM has been introduced into tunnel construction in Gansu Province, YRDP in Wanjiazhai, Shanxi Province, and Qinling Railway Tunnel Project in Shaanxi Province, and achieved success. Among them, Wanjiazhai Yellow River Diversion Project in Shanxi Province has set a record of the highest daily excavation 1 13m and the highest monthly excavation 1650m.
In addition to the main engine, the tunnel boring machine must also be equipped with a support system, which is called the rear support system. The total length of main engine and supporting system is generally 150m ~300m. Supporting systems include ballast conveying system, material conveying system, supporting equipment, laser guiding system, power supply device, water supply system, drainage system, ventilation and dust prevention system and safety protection system. Grouting systems are also used in hydraulic tunnels. Compared with the drilling and blasting method, the main advantage of TBM method is its fast excavation speed, so the supporting system is the key factor to meet the continuous and rapid excavation. Its transportation layout, transportation capacity, water supply and drainage flow, ventilation mode, wind pressure and air volume, as well as the speed of anchor spraying, concrete segment installation, pea gravel spraying and backfill grouting must match the excavation speed.