Two Terratec EPBMs are being prepared for Bangkok’s Khlong Prem Prachakorn Drainage Tunnel Project.
In November, the first of the two 6.49m diameter EPBMs passed its Factory Acceptance Test and has been delivered. The second machine will be tested this month. They will be launched around the middle of the year.
The two TBMs will be used to build a water drainage tunnel 13.3km long and 5.7m wide, from Klong Bang Bua to the Chao Phraya River. The project also includes a pumping station, a water drainage building and four water receiving buildings.
To accommodate the project’s alignment requirements, the TBMs feature active-type articulation that can accommodate the minimum radius curve of 50m and 25m.
The soft ground cutterhead features a flat spoke type with copy cutters to deal with the geology of soft, medium, stiff sandy clay and sand.
Traditionally reinforced, 300mm-thick by 1400m-wide, Universal reinforced concrete segments (5 + 1) will be installed as the machine progresses.
Muck removal, segment transport and supply of consumables will be via rail-bound equipment using battery locomotives.
