On May 7, the "CREC 1093" earth pressure balance shield machine independently developed by China Railway Engineering Equipment Group, a subsidiary of China Railway Hi-Tech Industry, broke through the earth in the Wakrah-Wukair drainage tunnel project in Doha, Qatar, and realized the first shield section of the project.
Doha Wakrah-Wukair Drainage Tunnel Project is a part of the "Qatar 2030 National Vision" and an important livelihood project, which will effectively alleviate the pressure of local sewage discharge and ensure the construction of a high-quality ecological environment. The project is divided into two sections of tunnels with a mileage of 5.9 km and 7.2 km. The central geology is gypsum and calcareous rock; some areas have karst landforms.
Because of the complex geological characteristics and customer needs, China Railway Engineering Equipment Group has tailored "CREC 1092" and "CREC 1093" two earth pressure balance shield machines with a diameter of 5.88 meters, which are applied to two sections of tunnel excavation, respectively. Considering the humanized requirements, the equipment optimizes the pedestrian passage and working space and has high reliability and safety. Since the shield machine was launched in March 2022, it has achieved the highest daily footage of 35.2 meters and monthly footage of 604.3 meters. "CREC 1092" is expected to leave the tunnel in October this year, and the tunnel will be completed.
This is the second time China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Shield Machine has participated in the construction of Qatar. In February 2021, CREC 681, the first shield machine exported to Qatar, completed the excavation of the Musaimeer drainage tunnel, a critical municipal rainwater collection and drainage project in Doha half a year ahead of schedule, and achieved excellent results of 34.1 meters per day and 684.9 meters per month. Superior performance has won a good reputation for China Railway Engineering Equipment Group in Qatar and laid the foundation for China Railway Engineering Equipment Group Shield Machine to export to Qatar again.
