New tunnelling technology saves time

New tunnelling technology from BASF has helped cut construction time on a major tunnel project in Australia. The system has been used to speed waterproofing, an important point as the link runs underneath one of Australia's major rivers. The spray-applied polymer membrane provided by a BASF sprayed concrete machine saved time and effort on the construction of the Clem Jones 7 Tunnel (Clem 7) in Brisbane, Australia. The 4.8km tunnel was completed seven months ahead of schedule and at its lowest point Clem 7
February 15, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
New spraying technology from BASF is offering advances in tunnelling sealing performance

New tunnelling technology from BASF has helped cut construction time on a major tunnel project in Australia.

The system has been used to speed waterproofing, an important point as the link runs underneath one of Australia's major rivers. The spray-applied polymer membrane provided by a 2645 BASF sprayed concrete machine saved time and effort on the construction of the Clem Jones 7 Tunnel (Clem 7) in Brisbane, Australia.

The 4.8km tunnel was completed seven months ahead of schedule and at its lowest point Clem 7 runs some 70m below sea level. While the original specification of a traditional sheet membrane system was initially used, the installation of the sheet system proved time-consuming.

A membrane system with a fast rate of application was required because the delays were hampering the fast-track construction program.

The project's engineers needed to find a replacement waterproofing solution that was quick and easy to apply. The solution was a sprayapplied polymer membrane from BASF Construction Chemicals, MASTERSEAL 345. Once trained in the application of the product, it was possible for the LBBJV crew to apply up to 2,000m²/day of membrane. The product was applied with one of BASF's 2646 MEYCO Piccola dry-mix sprayed concrete machines.

MASTERSEAL 345 is a singlecomponent spray-applied powder product, which bonds layers of sprayed or cast concrete. When mixed with water at the nozzle and delivered to the substrate via compressed air, it provides a tough, elastic membrane layer. The flowable nature of the freshly applied product ensures all irregularities in the porous profile of the tunnel wall are coated evenly, providing a positive waterproof seal.

Over 68,000m² of the product was applied in various sections of the project, supplying the contractor with the quickly applied, high quality waterproofing option required.

Clem 7 comprises twin road tunnels, excavated using two 12.4m diameter TBMs and 10 roadheaders, to link the Brisbane suburbs of Woolloongabba in the south to Bowen Hills in the north. Extensive surface works were required to tie the tunnels into the existing road network at six portal locations. The tunnel was designed to ease inner-city congestion.
Road Structures

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Bilbao benefits from major tunnel project
    February 10, 2012
    The northern Spanish city of Bilbao looks set to benefit from a major tunnel construction project aimed at reducing traffic congestion on its vehicle clogged streets. The city is building a new underground metro section, Line 3, which will help carry commuters to and from the city's commercial centre and help reduce vehicle journey times on the surface. This project is also making use of the latest piece of tunnelling equipment from Sandvik, the MT520 roadheader, a powerful machine designed and built at
    Read More
  • Raised dual carriageway reduces congestion
    February 21, 2012
    A new raised dual carriageway to bypass the historic centre of the City of Wroclaw in south-east Poland will give access to the new Miejski Stadium in time for its role in the UEFA Euro 2012 football finals.
    Read More
  • Testing high performance road markings
    February 9, 2012
    High performance markings are among the safety products used to guide traffic safely, but they must be tested and checked. Patrick Smith reports. Road construction zones, zebra crossings, tunnels and areas with frequent fog are particular focal points with regard to road user safety. This is why manufacturers, authorities and contractors are always eager to use innovative road markings and special studs or, where necessary, lane control devices to assist both drivers and pedestrians in all conditions, parti
    Read More
  • New methods allow concrete testing on the spot
    July 20, 2015
    This month we look at two new methods which are allowing concrete to be tested on the spot, and [over the page] we catch up on the latest news from concrete testing equipment suppliers - Kristina Smith writes Sometimes test results can be very bad news. If the concrete pavement or bridge abutment has already been poured, and if the concrete does not meet the specification, the outcome could be very expensive remedial work.
    Read More

Highlighted Content