Robbins EPBs are built one third heavier than any other EPB in the market and are designed for 10,000 hours of usable life, making them ideal for use over many kilometers. “Robbins is known for designing resilient machines,” says Mr. Gopal Dey, Afcons Senior Manager. “For this project, we needed a machine that was specifically tailored to project conditions from soft clay to mixed ground with rock. Robbins EPB TBMs have unique design features that optimize the machine for the geology.”
The Robbins EPB was originally supplied in 2012 for twin bores in weathered and highly fractured granitic rock, also part of the Chennai Metro project.The EPB was launched on February 3, earlier this year. According to contractor Afcons, the machine faced a major challenge right out of the gate. “When the TBM came out of the launching shaft, a few rings were erected, and then the machine had to cross a live railway track, which meant there would be a possibility of ground settlement,” says Afcons Director, Mr. Manivannan. “At this stage, we had to closely monitor TBM’s face pressure and advance the machine at a uniform rate to ensure proper primary grouting.” The bore’s geology mainly consisted clayey sand and about 60 meters (197 ft) of mixed ground.
Adds Mr. Dey, “We chose this machine for this project due to the underground geology in Chennai, which continuously changes from soil to mixed ground. We also liked that Robbins EPB machines are designed with active articulation to allow the machine to turn or steer with ease.”
During active articulation, thrust cylinders react evenly against the entire circumference of the tunnel lining, even in a curve - a design that eliminates the problem of tunnel lining deformation. This feature enabled the machine to negotiate through well-controlled conditions.
After completing twin bores, the Robbins EPB was refurbished for clay, sand, and rock conditions, which included a new inner seal greasing system and foam nozzle system.With all three tunnels, Robbins field service team was on location to assist and support as required. During the course of each bore, the team advised Afcons on how best to maneuver through challenging ground and provide instruction for machine operation. The ability of the contractor and manufacturer to work well together, as Robbins and Afcons have throughout their contracts, was critical to the good advance rates. The result was a robust machine that advanced at rates of 80 mm (3 in) per minute in challenging conditions.
This latest tunnel connects multiple stations along the metro line, starting from Washermenpet through to Sir Theagaraya and to Kurukpet. The Chennai Metro Project will provide the much-needed transportation to a rapidly developing city.
