ABSTRACT
Developments in mechanised tunnelling have increased within the last few years and captured the attention of the public sector. The stage of development depends on growing global demands concerning the extension of the infrastructure facilities like traffic concept, supply routes and wastewater disposal.
One basic step forward regarding the extension of know-how and innovation on the sector of mechanised shield tunnelling, is the tunnel boring machine which was used for the construction of the Sophiaspoortunnel in the Netherlands. A Mixshield with liquid supported tunnel face which is characterised by a continuous advance method. This paper describes the project, the development and the basic characteristics of the continuous advance method for soft ground TBMs.
