Hyundai Construction Registers Patent Related to Tunnel Mechanized Construction

Road header. (Provided by Hyundai Construction)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Hyundai Engineering & Construction announced on the 8th that it has developed Korea's first "Korean-style Roadheader Excavation Speed Prediction Model" and registered a related patent.

Generally, conventional blasting methods using explosives are used for excavation. However, this method has drawbacks such as a high risk of accidents due to harsh working conditions, noise, and dust generation. In particular, in urban areas densely populated with high-rise apartments, frequent complaints arise due to vibrations caused by blasting, which also complicates construction.

Accordingly, Hyundai Engineering & Construction researched mechanized tunnel construction and developed a Korean-style "Roadheader Excavation Speed Prediction Model." A roadheader is a machine used for tunnel excavation; it is relatively inexpensive and versatile compared to large tunnel excavation machines. In Korea, there have been few cases of its application, so models developed overseas were relied upon, but these did not suit the domestic ground characteristics, which feature hard rock and complex strata.

Hyundai Engineering & Construction conducted research and development targeting the Incheon Metro Line 1 Geomdan Extension site and developed a Korean-style prediction model considering domestic characteristics. This model first reviews site conditions to confirm equipment applicability, analyzes rock strength to review equipment specifications, then predicts excavation speed and cutter wear according to the equipment, and calculates construction period and cost to ultimately determine whether to apply the roadheader.

Alongside this, Hyundai Engineering & Construction is accelerating mechanized tunnel construction by developing the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) method. This is a self-developed technology, and recently, they also developed an integrated operation management system (TADAS) that collects various data and ground information necessary for TBM operation in real time and suggests optimal operation methods to operators.

Hyundai Engineering & Construction has actually applied this at the Daegok-Sosa double-track railway site and plans to expand its application to sites such as the "Expressway No. 400 Gimpo-Paju site" in the future.

A Hyundai Engineering & Construction official stated, "With the recent increase in urban railway projects in city centers and growing demand for GTX lines, the demand for tunnel construction is rising. We will actively develop and introduce various technologies in the future to improve working conditions in underground spaces and lead the advancement of construction sites."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.