Tunneling machines face an inevitable end—dismantled, buried, or repurposed after their mission.
Tunneling machines are not reusable
A tunneling machine cannot reverse: once its mission is completed, it must be dismantled or sacrificed. These machines are designed to move forward through soil or rock, and once they reach their destination, they are no longer functional in the opposite direction.French approach to decommissioning
The French have chosen to bring their machines back up, meaning they retrieve them after completing their tunneling work. This method allows for the reuse of parts and reduces waste, though it requires careful planning and logistics.British method of disposal
The British have opted to bury their tunneling machines after use. This involves leaving the machines in place underground, often sealed off, to avoid the costs and complexities of retrieval. This method is common in areas where retrieval is impractical.Alternative uses for old machines
Some tunneling machines have found alternative uses after their primary function ends. For example, parts of them may be repurposed as electrical grounding rods, which help direct electrical currents safely into the earth. This reuse highlights efforts to minimize waste in construction projects.
