Tunneling Equipment Guide: Rock Drills for Underground Construction

Tunneling is one of the most demanding applications for rock drilling equipment. The combination of confined spaces, high production requirements, and challenging ground conditions demands reliable, high-performance equipment.

Drill Jumbos

Drill jumbos are the primary drilling machines in tunneling. They carry one to three booms, each equipped with a hydraulic drifter. Modern jumbos feature computerized boom positioning for accurate blast pattern drilling.

Hydraulic Drifters

The hydraulic drifter is the core component of the drill jumbo. It provides the percussion and rotation energy needed to drill blast holes. Common drifter brands include Epiroc COP, Sandvik HL, Furukawa, and Montabert HC series.

Rock Bolt Drilling

After blasting, rock bolts are installed to support the tunnel walls and roof. Dedicated rock bolt rigs or bolt attachments on drill jumbos are used for this purpose.

Probe Drilling

Probe drilling ahead of the tunnel face detects water inflows, weak zones, and other hazards before they are encountered during excavation. This is a critical safety procedure in many tunneling projects.

Spare Parts for Tunneling

Tunneling operations require reliable spare parts supply to minimize downtime. Nova Rock Drill maintains comprehensive stock of drifter spare parts for all major brands used in tunneling applications.