The XTR5/260M multi-functional tunnel excavator [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]

A launch event for the XTR5/260M multi-functional tunnel excavator, which was jointly designed and built by Shandong University (SDU), China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group, and Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG), was held on Dec 28, 2021.

The excavator will be used for the water diversion project in central Yunnan province. It is the largest water resource allocation project with the highest investment in Southwest China.

The excavator is the first piece of tunnel (hole) construction equipment in the world that integrates drilling, tunneling, arch frame hoisting transportation, anchor-pile support and advance ductule.

Research and development on the excavator began on Mar 26, 2021.

During the R&D process, the SDU construction team carried out over 10 seminars and on-the-spot practice sessions in Yunnan, Shandong, and Jiangsu provinces to provide key theoretical and technical support.

In order to further contribute to the national key project, Li Liping, vice-dean of the School of Qilu Transportation of SDU, Li Suoyun, vice-president of XCMG, and Lu Dapeng, the chief engineer of China Railway No.10 Engineering Group signed a technical cooperation contract to deepen industry-university-research cooperation.

SDU, XCMG, and China Railway No.10 Engineering Group sign a technical cooperation contract. [Photo/sdu.edu.cn]