Shaft Construction

Abstract

Abstracts should be limited to 250 words maximum. Shaft construction Ground conditions Risk management Temporary to permanent works Shafts are needed on most trenchless construction projects, and they need to be treated with the same level of attention as other parts of the project. Shafts can be a major expense and risk during the construction phase, especially if the delivery encounters problems that can lead to high recovery costs, program impacts, and reputational damage. Therefore, it is essential to invest early in making the process safe, smooth, streamlined and suited to its location. Many of the choices about the location, geometry, purpose, design life, constraints around the local area, overhead obstructions and others will relate to the construction methodology adopted. For microtunnelling projects, there’ll be at least one launch shaft at the beginning of the tunnel and a reception shaft at the destination. Shafts need to be sized sufficiently to accommodate the choice of Micro Tunnel Boring Machines (MTBM’s) and associated tunnelling infrastructure within the shaft. It is important to tailor the construction methodology for the anticipated ground conditions. All construction projects run on tight schedules and financial margins, so rushing and trying to reduce expenditure can be at the root of the problem when it comes to planning, investigations and optioneering. But what are the considerations that might be beneficial during the planning phase? This paper intends to discuss the key elements that need to be addressed during the early stages of shaft construction methodologies. For example, how to reduce risks related to project and programme, using sustainable methods for design, the role Page 1 of 12 No-Dig Down Under 2021 [Shaft construction] [Trevor O’Shannessy/Barnabas Ilko] of digital engineering and how integration between temporary and permanent works could be adopted. These recommendations will be discussed via project examples and lessons learnt.