26/07/2024
Another milestone reached on the NSC 105 project: completion of the cast tunnel wall
After more than four years’ work, the PBJV Joint Venture, comprising Penta Ocean (leader), Bachy Soletanche Singapore and Soletanche Bachy International, has just completed the tunnel diaphragm wall of the NSC 105 tunnel, marking a turning point in the North-South Corridor urban freeway project.
This first phase of the project took place in several stages, during which the BU teams had to overcome numerous technical challenges. This latest achievement once again underlines the dedication and ingenuity of the project teams on site.
Challenges met by the HF8G® with grippers.
A total of 13,223 m³ of GIII, GII and GI rock has been excavated since the arrival of the HF8G® hydrofraise machine with grippers in 2021. A total of 5,225 hours of excavation were required to build the diaphragm wall tunnel.
Located in the densely populated Novena area of Singapore, with busy roads and buildings, BU used rigorous planning to minimize any disruption during construction. To achieve this, the teams used the HF8G® to reduce vibrations and enhance tool stabilization, thanks to its gripping module. This machine considerably improved the execution of the diaphragm wall.
HF8G® was also deployed during work close to the IRAS building and an existing Mass Rapid Transit (MRT: high-capacity rail transport system serving the city-state of Singapore) tunnel, located less than 4 meters from the diaphragm wall. Its use ensured minimum vibration and maximum safety.
Innovation Award
In 2023, Bachy Soletanche Singapore was awarded the Innovation Prize for the Hydrofraise® with grippers and roller bits. The main team members honored for their contribution were François Pannetier, Roy IP, Bruno Launay, Andrea Aguilera, Laurent Pivert, Zen Chua and Renil Rabert Kennadi.
To celebrate the construction of the tunnel’s diaphragm wall, the subsidiary organized an event bringing together the mayor of Singapore’s Central District, customers, and stakeholders. The event was an opportunity to pay tribute to the collaborative efforts of all those involved in the project.
À ce jour, le projet est achevé à 43 %.
Where are we with the project?
Today, the subsidiary’s attention is focused on the excavation of the shaft in preparation. Bachy Soletanche Singapore plans to use the SFT ( Safe Faceless Tunneling) method for the project. This innovative tunnel-building technique makes it possible to construct a tunnel without the need to excavate a face, i.e. without creating a large, exposed opening in the ground in front of the work.
To date, the project is 43% complete.
