ABSTRACT
Many new developments have taken place in recent years in the field of TBMs. This paper describes about a new generation of EPB TBM fitted with many innovative parts and among other things is made suitable using foam to drill through Pleistocene strata at a positive pressure of 4 bar water pressure. The highest production rates are obtained here. The BTC (Boor Tunnel Combinatie – Tunnel drilling consortium) has succeeded in extending the application range of EPB TBMs to the application range of slurry TBMs, which has never so far been regarded as possible. The preliminary tests and experience during construction are discussed in this paper.
