In July, Canadian TBM manufacturer Lovat announced that the Gülermak-Dogus JV had completed the first 250 rings in its contract to extend the Istanbul Metro using a 6.5m diameter Lovat mixed face EPBM.
On its drive to Bagcilar Station, the refurbished machine will drive twin tunnels along a 2.95km long alignment, a total bore of 5.9km. The route passes through clay, silt and sands with a maximum expected EPB pressure of 5 bar. The local groundwater level is up to 45m above the tunnel invert.
This particular TBM has previously been used to bore 2.6km for the Singapore North East Line metro extension and after a Lovat rebuild, a further 2.1km for a Milan metro extension. Lovat provided assistance for refurbishment and assembly of the TBM after it was delivered to the Istanbul site last year. Lovat will continue to provide support with PLC, hydraulic and electrical engineers and operators.
The JV has also purchased a further two Lovat EPB machines for the city’s Bagcilar-Basak Konutlari Extension.
