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The workhorse of the project, tunnel boring machines (TBM), play a central role in carving out the extensive tunnels. Each massive machine, the size of a small building, can construct large areas of tunnel infrastructure rapidly and efficiently. Yet, as the project reaches stations, the need for versatile methods becomes apparent due to the unique shapes and requirements of these spaces.
Historical Inspirations in Modern Construction
While battling the modern engineering challenges of Crossrail, engineers also benefit from studying the successes of past construction efforts. For example, the techniques employed by the Casement Brothers during the construction of the Transcontinental Railway in the USA paved the way for today's rail maintenance and installation methods.