Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by
Tunneling is an arduous process that requires specialized equipment and tools to ensure successful excavation. From carbide-tipped cutters to hoists, the essential tunneling tools are designed to optimize efficiency while providing a safe work environment. These essential tunneling tools include:
Mini excavators
Mini excavators are an incredibly helpful piece of equipment when it comes to tunneling. With their small size and excellent maneuverability, mini excavators can quickly and easily access nearly any construction site. In addition, the hydraulically operated arms are powerful enough to cut through tough soil and rock with ease but precise enough for finer tasks like line threading.
Furthermore, these machines come with a variety of attachments that allow them to be used for a variety of uses within the tunneling arena. By utilizing all these features in tandem, mini excavators become an invaluable tool for anyone looking to complete a successful tunneling job.
Jumbo drills
Jumbo drills are a key component of this equipment, used to make forward progress in the tunnel and shape the interior. A jumbo drill uses multiple sets of rotating cutting heads consisting of bits that break apart rocks and grinders that crush softer materials like sandstone.
These drills are often used for long tunnels, with the terrain and the size of the tunnel determining which type is necessary. With jumbo drills, not only can you dig faster and easier, but you can also create better ventilation shafts in areas where gases may be present. In short, reliable equipment such as a jumbo drill is essential to completing successful tunnel projects.
Backfillers
When thinking of equipment used in the tunneling, backfillers are often an overlooked necessity. Those familiar with the process of tunneling understand the importance of backfillers – they are a key piece of equipment when creating strong walls and ceilings that can hold up against the pressure of the surrounding surfaces. Backfillers essentially help to compress the soil, creating a more secure foundation once the construction is complete.
Without them, tunnels may be structurally weak despite the time and effort spent on their construction. Several types of backfillers exist today, ranging from trench machines to spreader-type units that cut and level off the resting area before compaction. Whether you’re digging through rock or soil, backfillers as a part of your tunneling equipment are essential for well-constructed structures that last.
Conveyor belts
Conveyor belts play a significant role in tunneling projects, as they are able to transport materials of various shapes and sizes quickly and efficiently. By allowing machines to work with limited manual labor requirements, conveyor belts can help reduce costs during the excavation phase.
In addition, they also facilitate a faster process of drilling and shoring as materials like drill cuttings can be transported via conveyor belts to areas where they can be safely disposed of. Furthermore, due to the automation of some modern conveyor belts, material handling errors may be significantly reduced compared to manual labor tasks. All these factors make conveyor belts an indispensable element when it comes to tunneling projects.
Shotcrete machines
Shotcrete machines are a vital piece of tunneling equipment, allowing miners to safely and efficiently blast through tough terrain. While traditional demolition techniques require more manual labor, and hazardous materials such as dynamite, and can be slow and expensive, shotcrete machines offer powerful impact from explosives or pneumatic pumps to break apart material and create passages with ease.
On top of this, shotcrete machines save time and money by allowing for quick repairs that support the surrounding structure, which helps prevent collapses and other structural issues. With the help of this handy equipment, mining operations are streamlined and operate more safely overall!
Jackhammers
Jackhammers are an indispensable piece of equipment when it comes to tunneling projects. These versatile, lightweight tools allow workers to quickly break down hard material in order to excavate a project site while still being easy to handle and transport.
With adjustable stroke lengths and the ability to drop the hammer onto a more powerful compressor, jackhammers provide great power and control making them an invaluable asset when tunneling. Even with these great advantages, their relatively low cost means that even smaller companies can incorporate them into their projects. Jackhammers are certainly essential for any effective tunneling business.
Sump pumps
In many respects, sump pumps have been critical to the success of tunneling projects. These pumps are used to collect groundwater that is found along the path of a tunneling project and divert it off to a different location. The employment of sump pumps ensures that tunneling can occur in an environment that could otherwise easily become inundated with water.
Having these pumps on site reduces incidences of collapse or other dangers caused by too much water pressure near an excavation site. From mini-sumps to submersible sump pumps, they are efficient tools used around the world in construction projects from large to small.
Each of these pieces of equipment offers unique features that address the various challenges that occur when digging tunnels under the earth’s surface. With these essential tools and equipment for tunneling, projects can be completed efficiently with little disruption to the surrounding environment.
