3D illustration of a Shaft Boring Roadheader with a stone wall in the background
 3D illustration of a Shaft Boring Roadheader

Shaft Boring Roadheader (SBR)

Safe and fast full-bottom shaft sinking to depths of 1,600 meters

Geology Rock
Soft to medium-hard consolidated rock
Diameter
7–12m

The Shaft Boring Roadheader (SBR) was developed for the mechanized sinking of blind shafts in soft to medium-hard rock with up to 120 MPa. For the efficient excavation of the rock, the SBR has been equipped with a roadheader boom and a rotating cutting drum. This allows the creation of variable shaft diameters between 7 and 12 meters. Based on the proven technology of Herrenknecht Vertical Shaft Sinking Machines (VSM), the new development offers a higher level of work safety compared to conventional shaft sinking with simultaneously higher advance rates.

 

Proven technology as the basis for new developments

The Vertical Shaft Sinking Machines (VSM) for shafts with lower depths developed by Herrenknecht have already proven successful in numerous applications. Based on these project experiences, the SBR boom with cutting drum has been modified to meet the requirements of shaft sinking in the mining industry and the working platforms have been adapted. The boom  allows excavation of the entire shaft cross section to a depth of 1 meter in several roadheading steps. The SBR does not need to be moved vertically during this cutting process.

In the first step of the cutting cycle, the cutting drum creates a cut up to 200 millimeters in depth. Subsequently, more circular sections are cut clockwise from the shaft center to the shaft wall. After every five of these cycles, the shaft is 1 meter deeper. The SBR is now moved down a meter and the cutting cycle begins again.

The loosened rock is collected from the shaft bottom via a newly innovated pneumatic mucking system and carried away to the suction tank. The shaft wall is secured from a work deck above the roadheader boom and can be done for example by the application of shotcrete, formwork or anchoring.

The SBR is safely controlled from higher working decks. In contrast to conventional shaft excavation, there are no personnel at the bottom of the shaft during mechanized excavation with the SBR. Overall, the SBR design sets new standards in safety for personnel. 

Functional principle

1
Muck bucket

The muck is hoisted to surface. Auxiliary and man buckets are also used.

2
Control cabin

The SBR operator controls all functions and the semiautomatic excavation process

3
Stabilizer

Transfers cutting forces to the shaft wall. Adaptable to different diameters

4
Excavation chamber

Man access only for maintenance. Installation of segments or shotcrete possible as well

5
Work decks

Several decks with installations, infrastructure and supply line extension for power, air and ventilation

6
Pneumatic mucking system

Demucking method cleans bench and collects cuttings in suction tank

7
Sheaves deck

SBR suspended by shaft ropes, can be lifted or lowered as required

8
Rock support deck

Several applications can be installed: shotcrete, rock bolts, mesh, segments or liner plates

9
Roadheader

Excavation unit can cut different diameters and shaft recesses as required

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The muck is hoisted to surface. Auxiliary and man buckets are also used.

The SBR operator controls all functions and the semiautomatic excavation process

Transfers cutting forces to the shaft wall. Adaptable to different diameters

Man access only for maintenance. Installation of segments or shotcrete possible as well

Several decks with installations, infrastructure and supply line extension for power, air and ventilation

Demucking method cleans bench and collects cuttings in suction tank

SBR suspended by shaft ropes, can be lifted or lowered as required

Several applications can be installed: shotcrete, rock bolts, mesh, segments or liner plates

Excavation unit can cut different diameters and shaft recesses as required

Further information

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With the further development of existing technologies and profound engineering know-how, Herrenknecht opens up new business areas. In the field of mining in particular, innovative machine concepts are needed to safely and efficiently develop deposits even at great depths.

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Steffen Dubé President and General Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA Inc.
Gerhard Goisser Commercial Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA, Inc.

Your contact person Contact us

Steffen Dubé President and General Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA Inc.
Gerhard Goisser Commercial Manager Herrenknecht Tunnelling Systems USA, Inc.