Quiz on Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs)

What is the main function of the tunnel segment erector?

• To transport tunnel segments to the front of the machine

• To build the tunnel walls

• To connect tunnel segments together to form a ring

• To dig the tunnel by cutting away at the earth

What is the purpose of the rotating cutterhead in a TBM?

• To carry earth up the screw conveyor

• To build tunnel walls

• To dig the tunnel by cutting away at the earth

• To transport tunnel segments to the front of the machine

How are the tunnel walls built as the TBM moves along?

• By manual labor

• By the rotating cutterhead

• By the tunnel segment erector

• By the screw conveyor

How fast can TBMs dig on average per day?

• 5 meters

• 10 meters

• 15 meters

• 20 meters

What happens to the tunnel segments once they enter the TBM?

• They are stored for later use

• They are transported to the back of the machine

• They are connected together to form a ring

• They are discarded

How do tunnel boring machines (TBMs) help reduce the impact on the countryside?

• By tunneling under towns and cities

• By disturbing people above ground

• By creating noise pollution

• By building roads instead of tunnels

How many parts make up each TBM?

• Hundreds

• Thousands

• Dozens

• Tens