Tunnel construction site layout calculator

Automatically generate a prediction of a TBM size, launch shaft and surrounding worksite size needed for your tunnel project.

Input tunnel geometry

This tool is intended for an estimate and cannot replace any design.
Tunnel internal dia. m
Enter a number between 0 & 16.
Geology
Worksite shape

TBM specification

CalcForge has found data from - similar projects to generate a prediction.
TBM Type
TBM Diameter -m
TBM Cutterhead Length -m
TBM Cutterhead Weight - tonnes

Worksite layout prediction

Example - TBM launch site

Worksites can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, the example seen below gives a sample which can be adapted to suit your site conditions and includes all the major items of supporting plant.
Property Value
Minimum recommended site area 16000m2
Approx height -m
Approx width -m
Slurry or EPB TBM Tunnelling Worksite Drawing Example

Minimum site layout areas

Label Item Area (m2)
1 Launch shaft See section below
2 Segment storage area (2 weeks supply) 2,500
3 Site offices + welfare 800
4 Temporary muck storage area -
5 Workshop 500
6 Materials storage 500
7 Electrical sub-station 300
8 Testing area 100
9 Tunnel vent cooling tower 50
10 Gantry crane 300
11 Grouting plant 150
12 Tunnel ventilation fans 100
13 Compressed air pumps 100
14 Emergency assesmbly area 100
15 ECM Plant 150
16 Waste water pit 250
17 Slurry treatment plant 2,000

Launch shaft prediction

Rectangular TBM launch shaft long mode

In an ideal case, where space surrounding the launch shaft is not a limiting factor the TBM can be launched in "long mode", whereby the TBM is launched along with it's backup gantry. This is benefitial as it means that the full assembly of supporting equipment is available to the TBM during the launch, improving speed, safety and reliability.
Large launch shaft for Slurry or EPB TBM Tunnelling Worksite Drawing Example
Label Property Area (m)
a Shaft Length -m
b Shaft Width -m
c TBM Diameter -m
d TBM Length -m
e Backup Length -m

Rectangular TBM launch shaft short mode

In many cases there is not enough space to launch the TBM with its backup gantry, in this case the contractor will typically launch the TBM in short mode (and may often mine an SCL launch chamber for the TBM depending on ground conditions), once the TBM has advanced far enough, the TBM advance is halted and the backup gantry is connected.
Label Property Area (m)
a Shaft Length -m
b Shaft Width -m
c TBM Diameter -m
d TBM Length -m
e Thrust frame -m

Circular TBM launch shaft

The minimum size of a circular shaft for launching a TBM in short mode is given as follows.
Circullar launch shaft for Slurry or EPB TBM Tunnelling Worksite Drawing Example
Label Property Area (m)
a Internal diameter -m
b TBM Length -m
c TBM Diameter -m
d Thrust frame -m
What's this calculator used for?
This tool can be used by Tunnel Engineers and Geotechnical Engineers to estimate the worksite layout needed for an underground TBM tunnelling project.
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