Pipe Jacking Techniques Used To Create Tunnels
The train appeared from the tunnel mouth as if by theatrical pyrotechnics or ‘de us ex machina’. A wondrous vision instilling awe and humility at the technological achievements of man shaped by the hand of God. Tunnelling and pipe jacking have been wonderful inventions enabling travel through places previously inaccessible. The emergence of the multi carriage train from the tunnel reminiscent of the butterfly shedding its chrysalis represented the physical symbol of triumphant pipe jacking technological success.
With pipe jacking techniques, tunnels through rock and soil, can be drilled at an amazing speed. With the simultaneous removal of the excavated material the process can continue unabated until the tunnel project is complete. The view of the train winding its serpentine length along the open mountain pass only to disappear into another pipe jacked tunnel reinforced the brilliance of the tunnelling technology. After another six kilometres hidden from sight the train re-emerges into daylight having completed its tunnel journey to continue its sojourn on the surface rail track. Not only do passengers avail of these tunnel services but vast amounts of freight are also transported via mountain tunnels. The traffic is not confined to rail and you discover many road tunnels that also carry their automotive cargo of passengers and freight.
Pipe jacking has provided the means of realising dreams for the commuters, tourists and goods distributors who all benefit from these transit routes. The vision of the fleeting grains, automobiles, lorries and vans was transitory but the pipe jacking success of the tunnel creation was real and permanent, a living testament to indomitable man’s inventiveness and the indomitable human spirit. This reality is repeated over and over around the world providing accessibility to areas previously cut off from civilisation. Such pipe jacking projects have been carried out in the Russian Urals, the French Spanish Pyrenees, swathes of mountainous China, the Carpathians and the Italian Dolomites, to mention but a few locations.
Pipe jacking has been deployed to not only provide transit networks but also utilities networks, providing the pathway for electric power cables, that light up the greatest cities in the world. Large inner city developments can continue thanks to the provision of all the necessary utilities through underground pipe systems facilitated by the same process. Thanks to pipe jacking, citizens can continue to lead normal lives on the surface without disruption while their services are provided underground through a series of pipes connecting power grids or sewerage systems, telecommunications cables, gas pipe lines and water pipes. Modern facilities can be installed by stealth ensuring that ever increasing populations are unhindered in their daily routines of work and entertainment. Tunnelling through pipe jacking technology has made this possible and we should not forget it.
Processing your request, Please wait....
