The shield machine operates by excavating soil while advancing a cylindrical steel structure along the tunnel axis.
This structure, known as the shield, provides temporary support to the unlined tunnel, resists soil pressure, and, in some cases, blocks groundwater intrusion.
Key operations such as excavation, muck removal, and lining installation are performed within the protection of the shield(The Working Principle of Shield Machine | Rail Specialist – Glory Rail, 2022).
Imagine a giant mechanical earthworm that builds and lines a tunnel simultaneously! The Shield Tunnelling Machine is a true engineering exploit that makes complex construction possible. What’s one feature of this machine that you find most ingenious? Share your insights!
