Tunnel face seals play a crucial role in tunnel boring operations. They not only prevent soil and groundwater leakage but also ensure that backfill grout does not leak after the tunnel boring machine (TBM) passes through the tunnel face. Currently, the two primary types of tunnel face seals are the leaf-type and the pressure plate type.
The leaf-type seal consists of a curtain rubber, folding plates, gaskets, bolts, and other components. Installation requires precise sequencing and techniques, including the installation of the tunnel face ring's embedded steel ring, curtain rubber sheet, folding plates, gaskets, and nuts. The embedded steel ring is installed as part of the secondary lining construction of the tunnel shaft and must be securely connected to the structural reinforcement. The installation position of the seal must be accurate, with the center located on the centerline of the TBM starting point, with an error of no more than 10mm. The sealing rubber sheet must be in close contact with the wall of the starting tunnel shaft.
To prevent the cutterhead from damaging the curtain rubber sheet during TBM advancement, a layer of grease should be applied to the outer surface and edges of the curtain rubber sheet before construction to provide additional protection.
Kubis Tech Ltd., as a professional supplier of customized high-performance non-metallic vibration dampers and wear-resistant components, can provide customized TBM sealing components. If you are interested in our products or would like to learn more, please feel free to contact us.