The construction of the Silvertown Tunnel in the UK is about to be completed, with engineers having completed the integration between the cut-and-cover sections and the primary tunnel as they poured the last transition segment in east London last month. Both the northbound and southbound tunnel structures are now connected from the Silvertown portal to the Greenwich portal.
While the project is now entering its final stages and is on track to be completed in 2025, the main tunneling work was completed ahead of schedule at the end of July 2023. It is mentioned that a complete transformation of the tunnel shape was necessary to connect the circular tunnel boring machine (TBM) tunnels with the in situ concrete arch-shaped cut and cover tunnels. Specifically, four transition structures at each of the four openings of the twin bored tunnel were constructed using a self-propelled, self-erecting formwork called "the Crab".
Particularly, they used hydraulic rams to move the 70-ton tracked structure into position, allowing it to be unfolded and create the unique shape. The "Crab" then served as a temporary framework for installing steel reinforcement before the concrete was poured and allowed to cure. Once the concrete was sufficiently cured to be self-supporting, the machine folded the shutters inward for transport through the bored tunnel to the next transition location.
In addition, the constructor company added that the last of eight cross passages, which allow people to move between the bored tunnels in emergencies, is now ready for fit-out. It was also added that, to surpass engineering challenges and expedite the work, they used artificial ground freezing in several of the cross passages. Dewatering was required on two of the cross passages to reduce the pressure.
Last, the 1.4km twin-bore Silvertown Tunnel will carry road traffic under the river Thames, from Silvertown in the north to the Greenwich Peninsula in the south.
Sources: newcivilengineer.com, eplus.co.uk, newcivilengineer.com
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