By rosebell
In order to advancing the Klong Saen Saeb Drainage Tunnel Project in Thailand, new TERRATEC TBM passes Factory Acceptance Test (FAT).
With 4.27m diameter, this machine is an Earth Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machine (EPBM).
The FAT was held by attendence of representatives of the Department of Drainage and Sewerage BMA, and contractors Summit Grade and PCE Joint Venture.
Linking the Saen Saep and Lat Phrao canals to the Chao Phraya River, construction of the 3.7km drainage tunnel east of Bangkok will be done by this TBM, whereas the project’s tight alignment necessitates a TBM with active articulation, allowing it to negotiate a minimum radius curve of 40 meters.
Considering that the predicted geology for rout includes clay, stiff clay, and clayey sand, the TBM’s cutterhead is designed for the soft ground conditions, featuring a spoke design with a 70% opening ratio and copy cutters.
With 250mm thick, the tunnel is due to be lined 1200mm wide, Universal reinforced concrete segments (5 + 1), installed as the TBM advances. Also using rail-bound equipment and battery locomotives, muck removal, segment transport and supply of consumables will be handled.
As one of several tunneling projects undertaken by the BMA, the Klong Saen Saeb Drainage Tunnel Project intends to mitigate the annual flooding problem in Bangkok, especially during the rainy season. Due to the tunnel’s location beneath a small canal with limited access for shaft construction and excavation, as well as the commissioning shaft’s proximity to densely populated areas, the project presents unique challenges, which necessitate careful site management and efficient production.
The schdeuled date for starting the excavation process is end of the year with project completion anticipated in 2026.
