UK EXPERIENCES AND DEVELOPMENTS OF THE WITTE MICROTUNNELLING MACHINES. NO-DIG 89. DEVELOPMENTS UNDERGROUND. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 4TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TRENCHLESS CONSTRUCTION FOR UTILITIES, LONDON, APRIL 11-14, 1989

This article describes the witte microtunnelling systems and their application in the United Kingdom. There are 2 types of system: (a) the non steerable systems, which consist of a hydraulic jacking frame situated in a shaft, pushing pipes, which are normally claywane and a full flight auger and cutting head which transports the spoil back down an auger casing pipe to the jacking pipe. The leading pipe is equipped with a steel cutting shoe. Jack forces on the product pipe can be minimised because the auger casing can be jacked independently of the product pipe, and the auger head can be pushed ahead of the cutting shoe; (b) the steerable systems. There are a number of fully steerable tunnel boring machines. The unique feature of these machines is that the cutting shoe on the leading edge can be powered rotationally to cut through material up to 8 n per square mm in strength. An auger then contra rotates, to break up spoil prior to feeding it down the full flight auger back to the thrust pit. The steering and guidance system provides information in an easily understood format and demonstrates graphically what steering corrections are needed. Details of the equipment trials undertaken in the United Kingdom are provided. (TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0727715674
• Corporate Authors:

  International Society for Trenchless Technology

  15 John Street
  London,   England 
• Authors:
  • Beaumont, T C
• Publication Date: 1989

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 237-42
• Serial:
  • Publication of: International Society for Trenchless Technology
  • Publisher: International Society for Trenchless Technology

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Conferences; Field tests; Governments; Installation; Pipe; Pipe laying; Public service; Service agencies; Tunnel borers; Tunnels; Underground structures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Micro; Subterranean
• ITRD Terms: 8525: Conference; 3383: Full face tunnelling machine; 6226: In situ; 3840: Installation; 9045: Micro; 3361: Pipe; 3371: Pipe pushing; 391: Services (public); 4372: Subterranean; 3374: Tunnel
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Geotechnology; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00497723
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• ISBN: 0-7277-1567-4
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1990 12:00AM