The launch ceremony for "Shanda", the world's first high-pressure jet-mechanical combined rock-breaking tunnel boring machine, is held on December 29. [Photo/Shandong University]

The Underground Engineering High-Quality Development Forum and the launch event for the world's first high-pressure jet-mechanical combined rock-breaking tunnel boring machine (TBM), named "Shanda", took place in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong Province, on Dec 29.

During the opening ceremony, the technology of the high-pressure jet-mechanical combined rock-breaking TBM was unveiled. The machine's first excavation was carried out in the Metro Line No 6 section from Dongcang Station to Shandong University Station.

The launch of the TBM marks a significant milestone, as it signals that high-pressure jet-mechanical combined rock-breaking technology has transitioned from theoretical innovation, technical development and equipment research and development and has now entered the application phase.

Ren Youqun, Party secretary of Shandong University, said at the ceremony that the launch of the "Shanda" TBM, which was developed by Shandong University in collaboration with Jinan Rail Transit Group, marks a new stage in the university's support for high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, providing a model for cooperation between the university, the local government and enterprises.

Li Guoxiang, ViceMayor of Jinan, said that Shandong University and Jinan Rail Transit Group have made full use of their educational, scientific, and talent resources to deepen strategic cooperation, accelerating breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields and using scientific achievements to drive industrial transformation and upgrading, serving as a strong driver of high-quality development in Jinan and Shandong.

Gao Shujin, Chairman of Jinan Rail Transit Group, highlighted that the "Shanda" TBM, equipped with advanced technology, represents new heights in China for tunnel construction technology and equipment under complex geological conditions.