Application of earth pressure balance tunnel boring machines sludge in construction projects

Title: Application of earth pressure balance tunnel boring machines sludge in construction projects
Author(s): M. Barra, E. Vázquez, D.F. Aponte and J. Ainchil
Paper category : conference
Book title: 2nd International RILEM Conference on Progress of Recycling in the Built Environment
Editor(s): V.M. John, E. Vazquez, S.C. Angulo, C. Ulsen
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-122-3
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2011
Pages: 109 - 118
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 9
Language: English

Abstract: Modern tunnels for railway or highways systems have been successfully constructed in recent years mainly in urban areas using T.B.M’s (Tunnel Boring Machines). In soft soil conditions and under phreatic level construction Earth Pressure Balance (E.P.B) systems are frequently used in order to minimize ground settlements that can affect neighbouring buildings and infrastructures. Pression in front of the excavation is achieved by filling the main chamber situated behind the excavation head with a pressurized sludge composed by the original soil, water, foams, bentonite and other polymeric admixtures. This material also permits an easy evacuation of the excavation material throughout a combined Arquimedes screw and transportation belt systems, from the project to the designed dump. This paper presents several Research and Development studies developed in cooperation with the Polytechnical University of Catalonia (UPC) in order to analyse feasible applications of this sludge in construction throughout addition of either cement or lime. At first sandy sludge was tested as fine aggregate for fluid self compacting low strength refill. In a second stage a non structural concrete was analyzed using silt sludge and, finally, sludge treated with 1% lime has been extensively used for embankments and refilling.

Online publication: 2012-02-08
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00