Tunnelling Expertise & Innovation
Variable Density Tunnel Boring Machines
Gamuda has pioneered the use of variable density tunnel boring machines (VD TBMs) to manage the risks associated with tunnelling amongst even the most challenging geological formations.
Winner of 2014’s Technical Innovation of the Year Award from the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, the VD TBM was developed by Gamuda following our experiences tunnelling through challenging karstic limestone conditions in Malaysia.
The first of its kind in the industry, the VD TBM continues to be optimised and updated, resetting the boundaries of underground construction, and leading to the development of Gamuda’s Autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine (A-TBM).
Autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine
Nurturing our in-house expertise has led to the development of the world’s first autonomous tunnel boring machine (A-TBM), equipped with custom artificial intelligence control algorithms.
With improved quality, durability and safety, our A-TBM has demonstrated faster response times, improved accuracy and tangible productivity benefits.
The system analyses machine data in real time and assumes control of steering, advance, excavation and slurry sub-systems with minimal human input, greatly improving the safety and well-being of our operators who no longer need to monitor these conditions manually in the TBM’s underground cabin.
Exclusively available to Gamuda, this proprietary technology was awarded the Technical Product/Equipment Innovation of the Year award at the 2019 International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) Tunnelling Awards in the USA. The innovation also received recognition at the New Civil Engineer Tunnelling Festival Award 2019 in the UK by the British Tunnelling Society in the category of Innovation in Tunnel Excavation.
