Tunnel construction often encounters extremely hard rock formations that must be broken down before excavation can proceed. A jaw crusher is a critical piece of equipment in this process, offering powerful and consistent primary crushing performance even in confined underground environments. This article discusses the role of jaw crushers in tunnel construction, focusing on their suitability for hard rock crushing tasks.

Why Use a Jaw Crusher in Tunnel Construction?

In tunneling operations, space is limited and reliability is essential. Jaw crushers are designed to handle large, abrasive rocks and reduce them to manageable sizes. Their robust structure and high crushing force make them ideal for the primary breaking of hard granite, basalt, quartzite, and similar materials found in tunnel paths.

Key Benefits

✅ Efficient Crushing of Hard Rock

Jaw crushers are built to crush rock with compressive strength up to 300 MPa, making them the preferred choice for hard rock tunneling applications.

✅ Compact and Mobile Options

Many models are available in mobile or skid-mounted formats, allowing for easy integration into temporary or confined tunneling environments.

✅ Continuous Operation

Designed for heavy-duty use, jaw crushers can operate continuously in demanding underground conditions, supporting uninterrupted tunnel boring machine (TBM) or drill-and-blast cycles.

✅ Low Maintenance and High Durability

With wear-resistant jaw plates and simple mechanical design, they offer easy maintenance and long operational life, even in abrasive rock conditions.

Typical Application Scenarios

• Initial rock size reduction ahead of TBM operations
• Crushing hard rock from drill-and-blast tunnel faces
• Aggregate production for concrete lining or backfilling within tunnels
• On-site recycling of excavated rock materials

Recommended Equipment Specifications

For tunnel hard rock crushing, a model such as the PE600x900 or PE750x1060 jaw crusher is ideal:

• Feed size: ≤500–630 mm
• Capacity: 60–150 tons per hour
• Output size: 60–150 mm adjustable
• Motor power: 75–110 kW
• Mounting options: Skid, track-mounted, or fixed base

Conclusion

The jaw crusher plays a vital role in tunnel construction, especially for projects that encounter hard and abrasive rock formations. Its robust design, efficiency, and adaptability make it an indispensable machine for primary crushing in underground environments.

Liming Heavy Industry offers a variety of jaw crushers tailored for tunneling operations, with customizable features to suit your construction needs. Contact us for professional support and solutions for your tunnel project.