Summary Draft 2

 According to (Doug,2017), the term Mixshield is a slurry tunnel boring machine (TBM) that uses an air bubble to control and support pressure at the face made by Herrenknecht. This is further explained by Herrenknecht. The TBM has an automatic air cushion that precisely controls the face support pressure in the excavation chamber (Herrenknecht,2024). It also offers an array of powerful cutting tools such as cutting knives and disc cutters. It is enhanced by jaw crushers positioned in front of the intake screen to further break down boulders and stones into conveyable size pieces (Herrenknecht, 2024). Taken from a study on Mixshield by Dr. Herrenknecht and Dr. Rehm, the TBM can excavate and build a ring around the machine continuously (Herrenknecht, Relm, 2003). This is supported by Herrenknecht’s claim that the TBM can do so with the help of its erector and thrust system. The erector is controlled by a remote and it positions the segments during ring building whereas the thrusters are positioned around the circumference which pushes the shield forward, leaving behind the previously built ring (Herrenknecht,2024).

Mixshield can be a boon and bane; it can achieve tremendous progress with its great efficiency as well as its adaptability to be used in mixed soil conditions. The greatest hurdle is the cost. It is very expensive to run a mixshield TBM.

Reference List

Harding, D. (2017, August 1). Redefining the Industry. Https://www.Robbinstbm.com/Mixshield-Crossover-Hybrid/.

Herrenknecht, M., Dr. (2003, March 28). Mixshield Technology. Https://emi.Mines.edu/Wp-Content/Uploads/Sites/162/2023/01/04_soft_ground_tbms_slurry.pd

Herrenknecht (2024) Mixshield. https://www.herrenknecht.com/en/products/productdetail/mixshield/