Kishanganga TBM handed overOn 13.05.2010 Italian manufacturer SELI handed over a specially designed 400 t DSU TBM to main contractor Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) to bore the Kishanganga tunnel under the Himalaya chain, with a cover ranging from 750 m to 1000 m. The alignment passes through zones of poor and squeezing rock with faults.The 6.18 m-diameter TBM is equipped with 8 x 315 kW AC motors, generating a total cutterhead power of 2,520 kW controlled by a VFD system. Main and auxiliary thrust have also been over-dimensioned.The TBM has high conicity to cope with squeezing rock, and the shields are equipped with a special bentonite injection system to lubricate the annulus and reduce friction. Overboring and overcutting facilities allow an increase of the clearances around the shields in expected poor rock conditions under high cover.The gripper shield is equipped with 26 holes for probe drilling and rock grouting ahead of the face, while the tail shield is equipped with additional eight holes. Convergence measurements will be performed continuously during excavation, using specific holes in the front shield. Delivery of the TBM is also an occasion to celebrate SELI's 60th anniversary. For more click in/61 and here. 20/10.