The second drive of the TBM is under preparation, one of which is the removal of concrete and steelwork from the tunnel eye where the TBM will begin its journey in May 2021.

The thickness of the knockout panel is 1,200 millimeters, one layer of steelwork is embedded in concrete and will be removed by gas cutting.

Relative to conventional methods, like excavators and hydraulic breakers, the advantage of using waterjet system are:

• Waterjet system does not generate loud noises and vibrations, no damages to nearby equipment, no disruption to adjacent activities.

• Relative to excavators, waterjet equipment is compacter and easier to move and setup in constrained locations.

• Considerably less debris and dust present onsite and in the air.

• High precision, all cuts can be programmed in advance and executed automatically

• Operators control the robot remotely, hence it reduces the risk of injuries.

• No emissions of gases as robot is electric driven.