Useful improvements in apparatus for, and in methods of, constructing a tunnel
US4022029A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 1975 |
| Grant date | May 10, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21D11/10
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A tunnel driving apparatus and method which utilizes a drive shield preferably composed of a series of cutter planks arranged side-by-side around the tunnel axis and supported by a frame. The shield is advanced in relation to the frame by displacing the individual planks, and the frame is subsequently drawn up by means of hydraulic rams. To support the rear section of the tunnel wall a rear shield is provided which is connected to the frame preferably through further rams. This shield is a shaped sheet metal structure open towards the floor and contacting the tunnel wall over the roof and sides. In performing the method, lining elements of circular or arcuate form are installed inside the rear shield prior to its shifting up. These elements can be disposed on a floor lining constructed in situ. As the rear shield is moved up fluid concrete is sprayed or otherwise introduced over the exposed tunnel wall in one or more layers to consolidate the lining elements into the support lining thus formed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.