A new tunnel boring machine, “Maria,” has arrived in Minsk, writes Onliner. The machine will be used in the construction of an extension of the Zialionaluzhskaya metro line.
“Maria” was manufactured in China, and delivery took about a month. Due to the size of individual components and units, the equipment was transported not by rail but by a convoy of 16 trucks—through China, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
As reported Minsk-Novosti, in terms of its specifications “Maria” is slightly more compact than “Alesia,” which is already operating in Minsk: the new machine is 90 meters long and weighs 500 tonnes, while “Alesia” is 50 tonnes heavier and 10 meters longer. The diameter of the cutting mechanism in both machines is the same—6 meters. At the same time, the diameter of “Maria’s” cutter discs is 17 inches—3 inches larger than those of “Alesia,” which will allow it to better handle hard rock and retaining structures.
The complex’s first task will be to construct a tunnel from Bangalore Square to the “Yubileinaya” station. It is later planned to use “Maria” in the construction of tunnels for the circular line.
The complex has now been unloaded, and specialists from Minskmetrostroi will assemble the shield in a launch chamber. This process usually takes from one to two months.
