By Lynda Myer
In order to link to Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut, TERRATEC delivered three new Earth Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machines (EPBMs) with 7.51m diameter to India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System Project. The contractor Afcons Infrastructure Ltd is going to use the intended TBMs to complete the tunneling works for Package-8, Brahampuri down the ramp to Begumpul up ramp section of the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System Project.
A tunnel with 7.12 km length beneath the ground and three underground stations are the contents of Package 8. Due to the successful completion of Factory Acceptance Tests at TERRATEC’s facility, the TBMs currently will be carried to India and they will be reassembled on-site with the help of the TERRATEC field service team.
The launching location for two of these machines will be Bhaisali station in the initial days of 2022 while they are going to pass under the densely residential areas and commercial buildings. Then the third TBM will travel through an extreme right radius towards the Begampul station.
Considering the geological conditions towards the tunnel alignments which includes sand, silt, and clay, the contractor opted for three Ø7.51m EPB Tunnel Boring Machines equipped with Dome-Type CutterHeads. For added versatility, TERRATEC has designed the CutterHead to allow the cutting tools to be exchangeable for 17’’ disc cutters, allowing the TBM to be able to bore through the D-walls and cope with the presence of any unexpected obstacle on its way, such as old wells or foundations.
The installation process of 300mm thick x 1500mm long, reinforced concrete Universal-style, pre-cast lining rings, that are comprising six segments + key, will be done during the advancement of TBMs. The rolling stock using five number 45t battery locomotives, which are also supplied by TERRATEC, will operate to remove the muck, transport the segment, and logistics supply.
For further information on this project please visit this website.
