The shield tunnel on the right line from the Nanzhu (Central) Intercity Xiangshan Station to the Xianger shield tunnel starts
On October 20th, at 9:30 AM, the “Chengjian No. 1” shield tunneling machine began its operation with a slow turning of the cutterhead, marking the official start of the tunneling phase for the Nansha-Zhuhai (Zhongshan) Intercity Railway, specifically between the Xiangshan Station and the Xianger Tunneling Shaft. This project is being constructed by the China Railway Guangzhou Engineering Bureau Group.
The right line of this section spans 1,083 meters, starting from Xiangshan Station and lying within a soft soil layer. At the starting end, the top of the tunnel is buried approximately 18 meters deep, while the receiving end is about 25 meters deep. The project team is utilizing an 8.8-meter air-cushion type dual-channel mud-water balance shield machine to effectively address issues such as water and sand influx, which are common challenges during the tunneling process in large-diameter soft soil layers due to high water pressure.
Additionally, this tunneling section must pass under the 125-meter Maolong Waterway, which is 5 meters deep with a burial depth of around 12 meters. The geological composition mainly consists of silt and silty fine sand, along with abundant groundwater. Throughout the construction, continuous adjustments will be needed in the tunneling machine’s operation, tunnel formation, and segment selection to minimize disruption to the surrounding soil. This approach is crucial for maintaining stable pressure in the mud-water chamber, reducing the angle discrepancies between the shield axis and tunnel axis, and ensuring effective sealing of the tail, which is essential for successfully crossing the waterway.
Notably, the project team from China Railway Guangzhou Engineering Bureau Group has been committed to sustainable practices during construction. They have implemented a mud-water separation system that processes the slurry generated from the tunneling through screening and filter-pressing techniques. The treated clean water can be recycled, while the excavated soil undergoes dewatering and drying processes to minimize its soft and muddy characteristics. This efficient and eco-friendly solution not only addresses the challenge of soil disposal from tunneling operations but also significantly contributes to environmental protection, aligning with the green development goals set forth for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
The Nansha-Zhuhai (Zhongshan) Intercity Railway is part of the state-approved plan for intercity railway construction in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. Once completed, it will enhance rapid connections between key hubs, including Baiyun Airport, Guangzhou Railway Station, Guangzhou South Station, and Zhongshan Station. This project holds significant importance for integrating the Greater Bay Area’s rail network, fostering comprehensive cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, and promoting regional economic development and urban integration efforts.
