What is a shield shaft?

To answer the question about shield tunneling, we must first talk about shield tunneling construction.

The shield construction method is a construction method for digging underground tunnels under the ground. It uses a shield machine to excavate underground to prevent the collapse of the soft foundation excavation surface or maintain the stability of the excavation surface. Tunnel excavation and lining operations are carried out safely inside the machine. The construction process requires that a shaft or foundation pit be excavated at one end of a certain section of the tunnel, and the shield machine be hoisted in for installation. The shield machine starts digging from the wall opening of the shaft or foundation pit and advances along the designed hole line until it reaches the hole. The endpoint of another shaft or tunnel in a line. When choosing a shield construction method, a detailed comparison of the characteristics of various shield construction methods is key. Among them, it is most important to select a shield machine type and reasonable auxiliary construction methods that are suitable for soil conditions and ensure the stability of the working surface. Therefore, the selection principle of shield machine is to adapt measures to local conditions, maximize the degree of mechanization, and reduce the impact on the environment.

The shaft that provides conditions for shield machine operations is called a shield shaft.