What Does
Auger Tunnel Boring Machine Mean?
An auger tunnel boring machine is the equipment used to perform an auger boring operation. An auger excavates the soil from the face of the tunnel and transports that soil along its length back to the launch pit. In this way the same torque that provides the power to excavate the face also returns the soil to keep the casings clear.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Auger Tunnel Boring Machine
Auger tunnel boring machines are used to install piping underneath roadways and other infrastructure. The auger is laid into a launch pit on tracks and is slowly pushed through the ground by the machine. Casings are pushed into the bore as the auger progresses in order to keep the bore open. As each casing segment is added, a segment of helical auger is also added so that the soil is removed throughout the bore while the auger excavates the tunnel face. Once the auger reaches the receiving pit, the bore contains empty casings ready to receive the product pipe.