DLR Dives Safely Under the Thames

This article describes the excavation of a pair of 1.8 kilometer-long tunnels driven by tunnel boring machine (TBM) beneath London’s Thames River. The tunnels are to be used by that city’s new Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension that will extend the line from King George V Dock to Woolwich Arsenal. The excavations began from the north side of the river and passed through alluvium, terraced gravels, chalk, and Thanet Sands before reaching the southern reception chamber. The TBM used was an earth pressure balance machine (EPBM) with tunnels lined with an eight piece trapezoidal ring of fiber. The excavations were somewhat hindered by a number of complications with geology and pressure that increased the torque of the TBM’s head, which were nonetheless overcome. Grouting problems were also experienced; however, contractors attribute this to a problem with the tube’s design in relation to what was being required of it.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0041414X
• Authors:
  • Thomas, Tris
• Publication Date: 2007-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Maps; Photos;
• Pagination: pp 16-19
• Serial:
  • Tunnels & Tunnelling International
  • Publisher: Progressive Media Markets, Ltd
  • ISSN: 0041-414X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Earth pressure; Grout; Mucking; Permeability; Tunneling machines; Water pressure
• Identifier Terms: Docklands Light Railway
• Geographic Terms: Greater London
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01050258
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: May 8 2007 2:16PM