Korea Rail Network Authority Begins Establishing Design and Construction Standards for Urban Railway TBM Method

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Il-woong] The Korea Rail Network Authority announced on the 15th that it has launched a research project titled ‘Establishment of Design and Construction Standards for Railway Tunnels (TBM Method)’ to promote eco-friendly advancement of urban railway projects.

The TBM method is a mechanical excavation technique that guarantees a safer working environment with less noise and vibration compared to the blasting method (NATM), which has a high incidence of environmental disputes.

However, due to higher construction costs compared to the NATM method, lack of TBM operational know-how and parts procurement capabilities, and insufficient related standards, the application rate of TBM in urban railway projects remains at only 1 to 2% of the total.

This rate is low even compared to European advanced railway countries, Japan, and China, where TBM application rates exceed 50%.

Considering these conditions, the Rail Network Authority is conducting the research project to activate the application of the TBM method in railway tunnel construction by establishing standard tunnel cross-sections to improve economic efficiency such as recycling TBM excavation machines, and setting tunnel reinforcement standards suitable for mechanical excavation, together with domestic tunnel experts.

Kim Han-young, Director of the Rail Network Authority, said, “If design and construction standards optimized for the TBM method are established and the TBM application rate increases, environmental disputes and safety accidents caused by tunnel excavation are expected to decrease dramatically, and construction periods will also be shortened.”