The $A880 million contract for the project, which consisted of twin parallel 12.5 km shafts measuring 7.2 m in diameter, was awarded to Thiess Hochtief Joint Venture (THJV) in 2002. It is the largest single infrastructure project ever undertaken by the New South Wales government.
Two Robbins TBMs began boring in autumn of 2003. Robbins MB244-312 and MB244-313 excavated the two tunnels with impressive advance rates – the project even broke a world record by excavating 92 m in a single day. The best 5-day workweek was 368 m and the overall average for the project was 34 m per working day.
The TBMs and back up were designed and manufactured to meet the specifications set out by THJV. The machines excavated at impressive rates especially since invert concrete was poured while the TBM excavated the tunnel. The new urban rail system for which this tunnel was excavated will improve public transportation for Sydney’s developing northern suburbs.
For more information regarding Robbins, contact Brianna Home, Marketing Coordinator, via email at homeb@robbinstbm.com, phone 253 872 0500 or fax 253 872 0199.
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