Recently, the “Kaixuan” rectangular pipe jacking machine, developed by China Railway Equipment, was successfully launched at the Huajiaci Station parking line of Hangzhou Metro Line 18 Phase I. This marks the first application in China of a super-large section rectangular pipe jacking machine in metro parking line construction.

Located in the city center with dense residential areas nearby, the project adopted the super-large section rectangular pipe jacking machine to minimize the impact of metro construction. Supported by customized technology, low-disturbance processes, and high safety standards, the machine adapts to complex geological and urban conditions. It effectively reduces ground disturbance, minimizes the impact on surrounding buildings, underground pipelines, and road traffic, while ensuring efficiency and safety. With its integrated system design, the equipment achieves high reliability, low overall cost, optimal space utilization, and significantly shortened construction period.

The launched “Kaixuan” pipe jacking machine features a cross-section width of 12.02 meters and a height of 8.72 meters. The complete machine includes excavation, drive, shield, muck removal, jacking, and backup systems. It adopts a front-and-rear multi-cutterhead low-disturbance excavation design and a deep-buried shield support system suitable for high water pressure conditions. This enables it to fully meet Hangzhou’s complex geological requirements, setting a benchmark for the first use of a rectangular pipe jacking machine in deep-buried, high water pressure metro tunnel construction.