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Pipejacking
and Microtunnelling Applications
The pipejacking and microtunnelling system is extremely versatile and
can be used for installation of the following :-
Special
Applications
In addition there are circumstances where special applications of the
system are used to give additional dimensions to the product that can
be delivered.
Curved
Pipejacking
EIOTL have invested in gyroscope guidance systems which allow the installation
of pipes from 800mm diameter upwards to be curved at suitable radii. Curves
can be in one direction or S shaped and give a large amount of flexibility
where alignment obstructions need to be avoided. The degree to which pipejacking
works can be curved depends upon the length and diameter of the pipes
to be used. In some circumstances pipe ends are tapered to allow tight
radii to be installed. EIOTL are always willing to advise on the use of
curved pipejacking.
Box
Culvert Jacking
In particular circumstances a circular pipe will not give sufficient capacity
or the required flow characteristics or the design may require to pass
under buried obstructions. The solution to a problem can be the installation
of a precast box culvert by pipejacking. The method will normally adopt
hand or mechanical excavation utilising a purpose made steerable shield
with the culvert unit being square or rectangular in shape.
Box
jacking both on a small scale and large scale installations requires considerable
knowledge and experience and is carried out by relatively few companies
in the world. EIOTL have the necessary expertise in this field and will
advise on the suitability of the system for individual projects on request.
Pipe
Roofing
Pipe roofing has been developed to ensure minimal disruption to existing
infrastructure. The method is a highly specialised pipejacking or microtunnelling
technique used to form large arched, circular, square or rectangular underground
passageways. The system utilises close bored or interlocking steel tubes
around the external shape of the addit required. The steel tubes once
in place give temporary or permanent support to the ground while the permanent
structure is constructed within the framed and excavated temporary works.
This
is a highly specialised technique usually used on large scale projects
to form highway underpasses, underground stations or other similar large
structures. Because of the specialised nature of the work early liaison
between designer and contractor is essential to ensure the correct and
most economical use of the system. EIOTL are always willing to advise
on the use of the pipe roofing technique.
Marine
Works
One of the areas in which EIOTL have specialised particularly over the
years in Bangkok is the installation of pipejacks and microtunnels beneath
waterways. This has involved the extensive use of marine equipment and
floating plant to install purpose made gantries on shafts and transport
equipment to and from shaft locations. EIOTL have installed pipes beneath
some of the most heavily, trafficked waterways in Bangkok. In addition
to the logistical problems that working on waterways presents EIOTL have
also become expert in ensuring that no ingress of water occurs from the
waterway to the tunnel which is obviously a major safety and engineering
issue.
Night
Works
The very nature of Bangkok as well as other major cities means that traffic
is a major problem. Traffic flows are obviously lighter at night and on
many contracts EIOTL operate from 10.00pm to 5.00am. Shafts are covered
with purpose designed covers to ensure that the highway can be returned
to the traffic during non working hours. It is a fact in Bangkok that
at any one time 50% of EIOTL's workforce will be operating on a night
time working only basis. This requirement has resulted in the company
becoming very adaptable and quick to respond to changing conditions.
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