Lovat and Seli are supplying TBMs and equipment for two tunnel projects – Kuznetsvosky and Sochi – as part of a wider co-operation agreement in Russia they have with contractor Bamtonnelstroy.
For the Kuznetsvosky rail project in Siberia, the companies are supplying a 10m diameter TBM, which has reached the Far East port of Vanino. It is expected that assembly will be undertaken around June.
The supply contract was signed in February 2008, and includes the TBM along with back-up, conveyor, rolling stock, ventilation, power line and segment moulds.
Geology along the a 3,890m along alignment comprises sandstone, siltite, crushed stone and basalts. No information was available on groundwater conditions.
The double shield has 17” discs cutters mounted on a cutterhead with maximum thrust of 17,088kN, speed of up to 6rpm and drive power of 4900kW (14 x 350kW).
Tunnel lining is 8.8m i.d., 1.5m long rings (6+1) with segments of 450mm thickness. Pea-gravel will be injection around the concrete lining.
At Sochi, major infrastructure investment is underway in advance of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Seli and Lovat are supplying a 6.18m diameter TBM to the Russian contractor for tunnelling work in Sochi. The shield is due to leave Italy and reach site by late May for a scheduled start of boring in mid-July.
Geology comprises mainly limestone and section of porphyrites. No groundwater information was available.
The tunnel will be lined with 200mm thick segments to form 5.6m i.d., 1.8m long rings. The annulus is to be filled with pea gravel.
The contract for the Sochi TBM was agreed in January.
