TUM Boring & m3: Innovation in tunnel construction with high-tech solution

TUM Boring: Innovation in tunnel construction

The infrastructure of the future requires new, efficient solutions — not only on the surface but also underground. Right here puts TUM Boring To: A student research team the technical University of Munich (TUM) is developing a high performance tunnel boring machineto make tunnel construction faster and more efficient.
The goal? The competition”Not-a-boring Competition“in Texas win. To implement this ambitious project, the team not only needs the latest technology, but also a mobile and robust infrastructure. Here comes My storage³ In game: As proud sponsor Do we set one 40 foot sea container ready to be used as a mobile transport box and Technical Center serves.

From Garching to Texas: The stages of competition

Houston application and design phase

Optimizing the drill head by integrating a rotary joint
New motor control for doubling the torque
Introduction of a suction dredger for more efficient material removal
Development of a new space-saving and lightweight anchoring system
Design of the transport system and the innovative connection solution for the tunnel pipes

Test phase in Garching

Construction of a launch shaft and installation of the anchoring system
Placement of the machine container for horizontal drilling tests
Simulation of Texan soil conditions with clay
Successful tests of the drill head and material removal
Testing the entire machine and drilling of test tunnels

Texas Finals

Transport of the machine and all components by container to Houston
Assembly and final tests before the competition
Participation in the “Not-a-Boring Competition” with the aim of breaking speed and length records in tunnel construction

Faster than industry: TUM Boring sets new standards

Conventional tunnel boring machines often only reach <10 cm/min, while the TUM Boring system is five times faster at up to 50 cm/min. The target 100 cm/min would even increase the current state of the art tenfold.

But it is not only speed that is decisive — the conditions of the Texan soil also pose a challenge. The clayey surface can cause the drill head to stick together and thus make the machine unable to maneuver underground. However, thanks to a specially developed soil conditioning system, this problem was effectively solved:

✔ A precisely balanced foam additive reduces the stickiness of the clay without liquefying it.
✔ Long rinses helped remove critical adhesions and maintain drilling progress.

With these adjustments, the system is optimally prepared for competitive conditions in Texas and other geologies.

Sea container: The mobile backbone of the project

Whether for worldwide machine shipping or complex industrial projects — the 40-foot high cube container is the perfect choice for sophisticated transport and logistics solutions. Its robust construction, standardized dimensions and additional height make it particularly suitable for large-volume machines and special equipment.

TUM Boring relies on our 40-foot high cube container to write history. Your tunnel drill was integrated directly into one of our containers and shipped safely to Texas. Final assembly takes place on site before the team competes in the renowned “Not-a-Boring Competition” — with the aim of setting new records in speed and range in tunnel construction.

Why the 40-foot high cube container is ideal for industrial solutions:

✔ Maximum load volume — ideal for bulky machines, technical systems and special devices
✔ ISO standardized & usable worldwide — seamless integration into international transport chains
✔ Safe & secure storage — weatherproof and lockable transport solution
✔ Flexibly adaptable — with individual modifications for specific requirements

Whether for mechanical engineering, the energy sector or high-tech projects — the 40-foot high cube container is much more than just a means of transportation. It is a sophisticated solution for companies that are looking for efficiency and safety in global logistics. Let's talk about your project!

Thanks to these features, the team can test their high-performance drilling technology directly on site in a mobile research and work environment.

High Cube Container

That's what m³ partners & customers say

Among other things, we had Mein Lagerraum³ make an individual pedestal for our stacked tire containers — and are completely satisfied with the result. As with previous projects, the collaboration was professional, transparent and solution-oriented right from the start.

The pedestal was a necessary measure for us, as we had to stack the containers on top of each other due to limited space on the site.

Particularly noteworthy are the workmanship, the high stability of the design and the timely implementation — even under time pressure. The platform fits perfectly into the existing container structure and meets all functional and design requirements.

We would like to thank you again for your excellent work and look forward to further joint projects.”

Ivo Franke

ceo

Autohaus Franke GmbH & Co. KG Radeberg

It was worth keeping your fingers crossed!

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Mein Lagerraum3 (@mein_lagerraum3)

Supporting innovative research projects is a matter close to Mein Lagerraum³ — because containers are more than just storage space. They are laboratories, workshops and mobile high-tech centers for the world of tomorrow.

We are excited about the grand finale in Texas and proud to have created a decisive logistical basis for this innovative competition with our containers.

Good luck, TUM Boring — bringing the future of tunnel construction to Texas!

Your world. In a box.

Learn more about how specialized container solutions drive innovation

High-tech in containers: TUM Boring relies on a mobile, flexible and secure infrastructure — thanks to a tailor-made 40-foot container of m3. Whether as a workshop, control center or transport solution: Our special construction finds the right container for every project.

Get advice

TUM Boring: Innovation in tunnel construction