The present disclosure provides a 3D printing-based device for shield tunnel lining formation, which utilize a more rapid and efficient extrusion process. Solid printing materials are fed into a specially structured tunnel forming mechanism via a pneumatic conveying system. In conjunction with a lining cooling jacket and a shield machine's advancement control device, the 3D printing-based device enables continuous 3D printing of the tunnel lining.

The present disclosure provides a 3D printing-based device for shield tunnel lining formation, which utilize a more rapid and efficient extrusion process. Solid printing materials are fed into a specially structured tunnel forming mechanism via a pneumatic conveying system. In conjunction with a lining cooling jacket and a shield machine's advancement control device, the 3D printing-based device enables continuous 3D printing of the tunnel lining.

A method for constructing natural tunnels including advancing an excavation front of a tunnel by a predetermined advance length via point excavation with excavating machines, removing excavated material from a work region between the excavation front and a final lining front of the tunnel, applying a primary lining onto walls exposed by the excavation at the advance length of the excavation front, advancing the final lining front by a predetermined advance length by creating a final lining on the primary lining applied at the same advance length in a previous advance cycle, and repeating all steps until the tunnel is completed. The step of advancing the final lining front is carried out with a segment placing machine having a tubular frame. Passage or displacement of operating machines, vehicles, or equipment from/to the work region during the steps of removing and applying takes place through the tubular.

A method for constructing natural tunnels including advancing an excavation front of a tunnel by a predetermined advance length via point excavation with excavating machines, removing excavated material from a work region between the excavation front and a final lining front of the tunnel, applying a primary lining onto walls exposed by the excavation at the advance length of the excavation front, advancing the final lining front by a predetermined advance length by creating a final lining on the primary lining applied at the same advance length in a previous advance cycle, and repeating all steps until the tunnel is completed. The step of advancing the final lining front is carried out with a segment placing machine having a tubular frame. Passage or displacement of operating machines, vehicles, or equipment from/to the work region during the steps of removing and applying takes place through the tubular.