Tunnel boring machine (TBM)

A Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a specialized piece of heavy equipment used to excavate tunnels through various soils and rock types. It operates by rotating a large, circular cutter head at the front, which grinds up the material, allowing it to be removed and transported away. TBMs are commonly used for underground construction projects, like subways and pipelines, as they minimize surface disruption and improve safety. These machines can be quite large, often spanning several meters in diameter, and are designed to create precise, smooth tunnels efficiently.