TERRATEC MTBM Completes Project in Thailand

TERRATEC has announced the timely completion of the microtunneling project at the Bang Pakong River in Thailand.On June 18, the TERRATEC Slurry MTBM completed the 380-m drive of 1,800-mm inner diameter tunnel of this project.

The project is being developed by a Joint Venture by the companies Ch.Karnchang PCL and Krung Thon Engineers Co., Ltd. (KTE) for the Royal Irrigation Department of Thailand (RID).

This is RID’s first pipe jacking project that was accomplished by a MTBM. The successful performance of TERRATEC’s s/n M41 tunneling machine sets a milestone for RID’s future projects. This pilot project enables RID to support the rapid development of the industrial estate in the Eastern Seaboard area. This is also a cornerstone for KTE, as this is the longest and quickest drive ever done with MTBM by the company.

KTE ordered a TERRATEC DN1800 Microtunneling System to execute the tunneling works of the project. The proprietary TERRATEC system includes several components: Slurry Shield MTBM, Guidance System, Slurry Transport System, Main Jacking Station, Intermediate Jacking Stations and Lubrication System. The Microtunneling Boring Machine was fully assembled and tested at TERRATEC’s plant in Thailand. Shortly after the factory acceptance test, the system was deployed and operational at the project site.

On top of the complete Equipment, TERRATEC also provided KTE a comprehensive service package onsite, which included the dispatch of key engineers and MTBM operators. These TERRATEC specialists were involved from the initial ground works to the final completion of the tunnel.

The geology consisted of a combination of very stiff clay with high underground water level and sand spots. The project was completed smoothly maintaining a very low jacking force at less than half the installed (5,000 kN out of 11,000 kN). This was achieved thanks to the high performance of the Lubrication System and the two Intermediate Jacking Stations, strategically placed among the pipes. This minimized the pipe friction, which is key to a successful pipe jacking long drive.

The site worked around-the-clock with the system in two 12-hour shifts to achieve a timely completion of the project. In total, 150 pipes of 2.5 m each were installed in 23 calendar days only.

This article was provided by TERRATEC, which is headquartered in Tasmania, Australia.