Wedoany.com Report on Mar 4th, The 9.36-meter diameter Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) shield machine, developed and manufactured by China Railway Construction Heavy Industry (CRCHI), recently completed the first tunnel drive on the Messina-Catania railway project in Sicily, Italy. It became the first shield machine to achieve a breakthrough on this project section. Designed for a total drive length of approximately 12.54 kilometers, the machine has now completed the initial 2.44-kilometer section. During the drive, it navigated complex geological conditions including shale, conglomerate, basalt, and sandstone, with rock uniaxial compressive strengths ranging from 4 MPa to 45 MPa.
To meet the client's requirements for high-end, intelligent, and environmentally friendly equipment, the CRCHI R&D team collaborated closely with the construction contractor to advance the shield machine's development. This machine integrates the concept of green tunnel construction, incorporating multiple advanced technologies such as a synchronized drive system, a high-stability power supply system, continuous excavation capability, automated equipment management, intelligent excavation parameter control, automatic segment erection, an ultra-high-pressure rescue system, and automated gantry steering. These features enhance the shield machine's automation level, energy efficiency, and operational reliability while supporting construction efficiency improvements through optimized personnel allocation. The machine achieved a maximum daily advance of 30.6 meters and a maximum monthly advance exceeding 500 meters.
CRCHI deployed an experienced after-sales support team for the project. During assembly, the team overcame significant logistical constraints such as working under high-voltage power lines, limited use of large cranes, and confined assembly space. They developed specialized installation plans and made dynamic adjustments to ensure the safe and timely launch of the shield machine. During the excavation process, construction was periodically halted for monitoring due to the potential presence of arsenic compounds in the rock layers. The project team also addressed risks posed by squeezing ground conditions. Through systematic risk identification, targeted mitigation planning, and on-site technical coordination, the shield machine efficiently resumed excavation while maintaining effective risk control throughout the tunnel drive.
CRCHI stated that both the shield machine's performance and on-site support have received positive recognition from the project owner and contractor. A total of four shield machines of the same specification are deployed for this project. The successful completion of the first shield machine breakthrough provides momentum for the remaining excavation work on the Messina-Catania railway section.
