By rosebell
The machine was jointly developed by CREG and China Railway No. 3 Engineering Group, both subsidiaries of China Railway Group.
It will excavate the north-to-south left-hand bore, working alongside a second TBM, Qiangcheng, which will construct the parallel right-hand bore.
First Municipal Road Tunnel Beneath the Oujiang River
The Fudong Road River Crossing will be Wenzhou’s first municipal road tunnel beneath the Oujiang River and the first tunnel in Zhejiang Province to pass beneath a designated shipping anchorage.
The project extends for 3,065m, including a 1,950m shield-driven section beneath the river. The alignment passes beneath the Meiyuan anchorage, the river’s main navigation channel and flood protection embankments.
One of the main construction challenges involves launching the TBMs from riverside tidal flats, where the minimum ground cover is just 9.3m. The machines must also negotiate weak ground, tight-radius curves and steep longitudinal gradients while operating under high groundwater pressures.
Customised TBM Design for Complex Ground Conditions
The 15.01m-diameter Fenfa is approximately 121m long and incorporates several systems designed to improve excavation control, operational safety and reliability under the project’s demanding conditions.
According to CREG, the machine features an advanced geological prediction system, ground interface identification technology and gas monitoring equipment. These systems are intended to provide real-time information about geological conditions ahead of and around the excavation face.
The cutterhead has been optimised with additional wear-resistant blocks and protective layers to withstand demanding ground conditions. An online cutter wear monitoring system is also designed to track tool deterioration, support excavation efficiency and reduce the risks associated with excessive cutter wear.
Systems for Segment Installation and Excavation Control
CREG has introduced additional measures to manage segment flotation and maintain lining installation accuracy during tunnelling.
A laser positioning system, combined with displacement and inclination sensors installed at the shield tail, will allow grouting pressures to be adjusted dynamically. The system is designed to help control segment movement and maintain the accuracy of the installed lining.
The TBM’s 28 thrust cylinders feature a revised control programme that allows thrust parameters to be adjusted as ground conditions change. Continuous machine alignment correction is intended to support stable excavation along the planned tunnel route.
Together, these systems are designed to address the challenges of shallow river crossings, variable ground conditions and high groundwater pressures.
Improving Connectivity Across Wenzhou
The Fudong Road River Crossing forms part of Wenzhou’s wider transport development strategy, aimed at strengthening connections between the northern and southern banks of the Oujiang River.
Once operational, the crossing is expected to provide a direct connection between central Wenzhou and Wenzhou North Railway Station, while helping relieve traffic congestion on the existing Ouyue and Qidu bridges.
