Core Points - The "Cangyuan" shield machine, developed by China Communications Tunnel Bureau, has commenced its excavation phase for the Haitaichangjiang Tunnel A4 project, marking a significant advancement in high-end tunnel construction equipment in China [1] - The Haitaichangjiang Tunnel spans 39.07 kilometers, connecting Haimen District in Nantong City to Taicang City in Suzhou, and is designed to alleviate traffic flow from the Sutong Yangtze River Bridge [1] - The "Cangyuan" shield machine features a diameter of 16.66 meters, a total length of 176 meters, and weighs over 5,650 tons, making it the largest slurry balance shield machine independently developed in China [1] - The project integrates three core technologies, including a "digital brain" for intelligent control, "smart blade teeth" technology for efficient excavation, and a globally innovative "smart heart" active protection system [1] - The Haitaichangjiang Tunnel is a key project in the "Yangtze River Main Line Cross-River Channel Layout Plan (2020-2035)," aimed at enhancing cross-river transportation capabilities and promoting the integration of urban clusters along the river [1]

Core Insights - The "Cangyuan" shield machine, the largest diameter mud-water balance shield machine independently developed in China, officially commenced its tunneling operation on the left line of the Haitai Yangtze River Tunnel, marking the project's entry into the excavation construction phase [1] - The "Cangyuan" has a cutting diameter of 16.66 meters, a total length of 176 meters, and weighs over 5,650 tons, representing a significant breakthrough in China's high-end tunnel construction equipment sector [1] Technology and Innovation - The "Cangyuan" shield machine integrates three core technologies to address the challenges of ultra-long distances, large diameters, high water pressure, and deep burial depths [1] - It features a "digital brain" for intelligent control, employs "smart blade and iron teeth" technology to overcome efficient excavation bottlenecks, and is equipped with the world's first "smart heart" active protection system to ensure safe and efficient construction [1]

Core Points - The article discusses the commencement of the excavation phase for the Hai-Tai Yangtze Tunnel project, which is being constructed by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) [1] - The tunnel spans 39.07 kilometers across the Yangtze River estuary, connecting Haimen District in Nantong City to Taicang City in Suzhou [1] - The "Cangyuan" shield machine, with a diameter of 16.66 meters and a total length of 176 meters, is the largest slurry balance shield machine independently developed in China, marking a significant breakthrough in high-end tunnel construction equipment [1] Technology and Innovation - The "Cangyuan" shield machine integrates three core technologies to address the challenges of ultra-long distance, large diameter, high water pressure, and deep burial [1] - It features a "digital brain" for intelligent control, "smart blade technology" to overcome efficient excavation bottlenecks, and the world's first "smart heart" active protection system [1] - The collaborative application of these innovative technologies provides dynamic safety assurance for the complex working conditions of the tunnel [1] Project Significance - The Hai-Tai Yangtze Tunnel is a key project in the "Yangtze River Mainline Cross-River Channel Layout Plan (2020-2035)" and is referred to as the "First Tunnel of the Yangtze River" [1] - Upon completion, the project will effectively divert traffic from the Sutong Yangtze River Bridge, optimize the layout of cross-river channels, and enhance the transportation support capacity and service level across the river [1] - The tunnel is expected to promote the integrated development of urban agglomerations along the Yangtze River [1]