Summary + Thesis + Supports #2

Designed to optimize performance while maintaining safety standards during underground excavation, the Herrenknecht Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a state-of-the-art piece of engineering while the Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBM is fundamentally useful for softer ground and elaborate geological settings (Herrenknecht, n.d., Our Tunnelling Technology section). Other key elements of the TBM are the cutting wheel and screw conveyor designed for the effective transportation of the excavated material (Herrenknecht, n.d., EPB Shield, Functional Principle section). Additionally, these devices are gaining more popularity in urban tunneling projects because of the high level of accuracy they can achieve with minimum surface damage. For instance, in the London Crossrail project, eight Herrenknecht TBMs were applied and over 42 kilometers of tunnels were bored without causing any environmental disruption (Herrenknecht AG, n.d., Highspeed in London section, para 2). Furthermore, Herrenknecht is known to put efforts towards reducing the carbon footprint of their machines and the energy expenditure while in use (Herrenknecht AG, n.d., Environment and resources section, para 1). 

Thesis Statement: Herrenknecht's EPB revolutionizes tunnel construction through enhanced safety, efficiency, and adaptability to diverse geological conditions. However, challenges such as high costs and operational complexities must be addressed to maximise its long-term accessibility and sustainability in global infrastructure projects.

Support #1: When it comes to safety features, Herrenknecht's machines is unmatched.

Support #2: Secondly, Herrenknecht's EPB TBM efficiencies is superior to other companies in the same industry.

Support #3: Lastly, Herrenknecht's EPB TBM is able to adapt to most if not all geological conditions compared to traditional TBMs