JPH05239994

PURPOSE:To improve the economy in structuring a machine body and execution of works and ensure safe operations. CONSTITUTION:A shield type tunnel excavation machine is composed of a plurality of cylindrical parts 1, an outside steel shell 2, and an inside steel shell 3 and structured with closed section by coupling together these cylindrical parts 7 through the outside and inside shells 2. 3. The machine is equipped with a device to assemble a coupling segment 4 inside of the space after excavating forward in each cylindrical part 1 and insert the coupling segments 4 from the parts 1 inside of the space after excavating forward in the shell coupling parts. The coupling segments 4 thus formed are laid underground, and then the inside of the closed section surrounded by them is excavated.