World's First 'Drill-Blast' Machine Rolls Out in Wuhan
China has unveiled the "Xianglong," the world's first integrated drill-blast tunneling machine, developed by a consortium including Tsinghua University and China Railway Science & Industry Group.
The "Xianglong," described as the world's first integrated drill-blast machine for tunneling, has completed its rollout at a China Railway Science & Industry Group facility in Wuhan. Developed collaboratively by Tsinghua University and China Railway Science & Industry Group, the machine aims to accelerate tunnel construction, particularly in complex geological environments.
The Xianglong measures 4.5 meters in diameter and approximately 70 meters in length, weighing 400 tons. It features a hollow cutter head, differing from traditional tunnel boring machines. This design allows for personnel and equipment access through the center, facilitating the management of various excavation challenges.
This new machine can operate in multiple modes, including "forward blast, backward drill" and "full-face excavation." In hard rock conditions, it functions as a high-performance hard rock drilling machine. For exceptionally hard strata, pre-drilling and blasting techniques can be employed to break up rock, addressing potential jamming issues. Developers report a 30% increase in excavation efficiency compared to conventional hard rock drilling machines.
All core components and the machine itself are developed and manufactured domestically in China, ensuring technological independence. The Xianglong is seen as a significant advancement for tunneling technology, expected to contribute to major infrastructure projects, including hydropower, mining, and transportation networks, offering a Chinese solution for global construction challenges.