By rosebell
Herrenknecht TBM Aayushi is one of four 7.24m-diameter machines that will be used by the Suburban Connect consortium of CPB Contractors, Ghella and ACCIONA to excavate 16km of twin tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley.
The first major components delivered to Clarinda included the machine’s 230t front shield and 190t middle shield, which were transported separately from the Port of Hastings under superload permits. The tail shield has also reached the site, with the back-up gantries and remaining components being delivered as assembly progresses.
The largest components were carried on a 55m-long, 7.5m-wide heavy haulage vehicle during overnight transport operations.
At Clarinda, crews have completed excavation of the 19.5m-deep TBM launch shaft and will use specialist cranes to lower the machine underground in sections. An acoustic shed is also being constructed over the facility to control noise, dust and light during tunnelling.
Aayushi will be one of two machines launched north from Clarinda towards Glen Waverley, via Clayton and Monash. Two further TBMs will initially head south towards the Heatherton stabling facility before being transferred across the site and relaunched towards Cheltenham.
The Clarinda machines will use a flying-launch arrangement, allowing excavation to begin while assembly of the TBM and its back-up equipment continues behind it. SRLA has previously said the machines will be capable of advancing at up to 90m/week.
The four machines were ordered from Herrenknecht, with two incorporating equipment previously used on Sydney Metro projects.
The Tunnels South package also includes 55 cross passages, two portal structures and excavation and support of the station boxes at Clayton and Monash.
SRL East will comprise 26km of twin tunnels and six underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill, with passenger services scheduled to begin in 2035.
