Extreme underwater tunnelling conditions tackled step by step in Hong Kong
Contractor
Drainage Service, Harbour Area Treatment, Hong Kong
Location
Hong Kong
The Project
For years, Hong Kong’s Drainage Services Department has been undertaking work to improve the waters in and around Hong Kong Harbour. The Harbour Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2 (HATS II) consisted of two tunnelling contracts C-23 and C-24 and a total of 21 km of tunnels.
C-24 consisted of 7.5 km of tunnels from Aberdeen to Sai Yin Pun. Alignment followed closely along the coast passing Wah Fu, Cyberport, Sandy Bay, and completed at Sai Ying Pun connection facilities on the western side of Hong Kong Island. Five working shafts were located at each point.
The chosen method for HATS II was Drill and Blast after disappointing results on the prior Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme (SSDS) Stage 1 where Tunnel Boring Machines were operated.
The Challenge
This high-profile project faced several challenges. The relatively small excavation diameter combined with the requirement of providing adequate tunnel ventilation meant all tunnelling equipment had to be small and compact enough to pass underneath the ventilation ducting.
Extremely tight water ingress controls were required by the client. The quality, speed and efficiency of pre-injection grouting were going to play a major part in achieving the tunnel advancement rates.
The equipment had to be highly versatile, nimble, and manoeuvrable to achieve the tight tunnel excavation program specifications.
Quick Facts
- Extremely tight water ingress controls required in aggressive saltwater conditions
- TamSeal 800 spray applied membrane used for a watertight underground maintenance workshop
- TamCrete HCA selected for on-site sprayed concrete storage increased productivity
- Extensive range of equipment and custom tunnelling chemical solutions provided
The Solution
Normet OY signed a contract for the supply of 11 Variomec 1090Ds, 6 Multimec 6600s with 29 various cassettes, 3 Spraymec 1050 WPC’s and various grouting and hand-spraying shotcrete equipment. Later in the project, an additional Spraymec 6050 and a Multimec 6600 were supplied on a monthly rental basis.
The tunnel conditions were considered highly aggressive due to salt water encountered, being harsh on all tunnelling equipment. A comprehensive LTC service package was provided to repair, service and maintain the Normet Fleet on the project.
Normet also provided unique tunnelling chemical solutions to the whole project in addition to the extensive range of equipment. The chemical solutions included 5,000 tons of TamCrete MFC and associated admixtures, 400 tons of TamCrete 400CS (Colloidal Silica Technology) and associated GMA grout packer systems for pre-injection grouting.
Sprayed concrete performance was also considered critical to the excavation cycle. Normet Hong Kong Ltd. assisted the contractor with mix design optimization, approval trials, full on-site training, and all sprayed concrete admixtures, alkali-free accelerators, and steel fibres for the project.
The logistical issues of supplying sprayed concrete from working shafts are difficult even without the added issues that come from using external companies to supply the sprayed concrete mixes on day shift only, especially when working 24 hours per day and 7 days per week.
The contractor made ultimate use of Normet’s TamCrete HCA for onsite storage of sprayed concrete, which enabled them to continue excavation throughout the night with the ability to spray temporary rock support when needed.
TamSeal 800 spray-applied membrane was trialed and selected to provide a watertight underground workshop/maintenance area.
Project Outcome
The project commencement was delayed by over 12 months due to unforeseen circumstances in the pre-qualification and tender stage. The contractor was still able to safely complete the excavation and temporary support within a positive timeframe. The tight water ingress requirements were kept well within the allowable limits.
The customer reported that the combination of TamCrete MFC and TamCrete 400CS performed well and proved to be the right choice. The Normet equipment performed well under the aggressive conditions underground but showed wear when finally returned to Normet.
