Recently, it was learned from the Yunding Tunnel Project Department of CCCC Tianhe and Malaysia East Coast Railway that the open TBM (hard rock tunnel boring machine) "Yunding No.1" and "Yunding No.2" of CCCC Tianhe exported overseas have both exceeded 6000 meters.
"Yunding No.1" and "Yunding No.2" are independently developed by CCCC Tianhe, with a cutter diameter of 8.98 meters, a total installed capacity of 9000 kilowatts, a total weight of 2500 tons, and a length of 270 meters. The localization rate is over 98%. The projects they serve are located in the hinterland of the Malaysia East Railway, with a single tunnel length of 16.39 kilometers. After completion, they will become the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia.
During the tunnel excavation process, "Yunding No.1" and "Yunding No.2" encountered global challenges such as rock fragmentation, collapse, rapid geological changes, large deformation, strong rock burst, sudden mud and water influx, and a daily water inflow of 10000 cubic meters. Despite facing difficulties, "Yunding No.1" and "Yunding No.2" continue to move forward courageously, with high production records of up to 40 meters per day and up to 650 meters per month, and an average equipment integrity rate of 96.6%, creating a new record for TBM construction in the same type of tunnel. This has been highly recognized and praised by the relevant country's property owners, setting a benchmark for China Communications TBM in the country.
Compared to traditional drilling and blasting methods, TBM construction efficiency can be increased by 2 to 3 times. The two TBMs required for the construction of the Ma Dong Railway Yunding Tunnel are both developed by CCCC Tianhe, and it is expected that the Yunding Tunnel will be connected in two pairs next year.
The Ma Dong Railway project is the largest economic and trade cooperation project between China and Malaysia, and has received high attention from the people and various sectors of society of both countries. The project design has a total length of over 600 kilometers and, upon completion, will drive the economic development of Malaysia's east coast region and greatly improve connectivity along the route. In December 2021, the main route of the Malaysia Eastern Railway project was basically determined. Malaysia's Minister of Transport, Wei Jiaxiang, stated that Malaysia Eastern Railway will become a "land bridge" connecting the east and west coasts of the Malay Peninsula, which will help promote the development of the east coast and promote national economic growth.
