Ventilation, Safety and Instrumentation
This section covers products and services that make the tunnelling job easier and safer by virtue of technological advance.
ASI Marine
Remotely Operated Vehicles
ASI Marine pioneered the use of specialised remotely operated vehicles (ROV) for inspection of long water conveyance tunnels. The ASI Mantaro, a long tunnel inspection ROV, is tethered by a 10 km umbilical that transmits sonar and video data real-time to the surface via fibreoptic telemetry. ASI Marine has completed continuous surveys of 10 km from a single access point using this extreme length robotic system. Recent inspections include a 120 km water supply tunnel in Finland and a 9.8 km tailrace tunnel in New Zealand.
Dewatering poses identifiable risks in water conveyance tunnels that are affected by the reversal of significant hydrostatic pressure that can lead to structural instability. Remote inspection technology eliminates structural and human risk, while reducing the cost of spillage and lost revenue incurred during lengthy shutdowns. ROV data collection technology provides the capability of accurate dimensioning of voids or debris fields in these confined spaces. Clients have also applied this remote technology prior to dewatering to make informed decisions regarding outage scheduling and remediation strategies that minimise downtime.
ASI Marine is widely recognised for innovative solutions and effective management of water and wastewater.
Aquatic Sciences Inc, PO Box 2205, 250 Martindale Road, St Catharines, Ontario L2R 7R8, Canada, tel +1 905 641-0941, fax +1 905 641-1825, e-mail blaurens@aquaticsciences.com or visit www.aquaticsciences.com
Associated Polymer Services Ltd
Geotechnical and Tunnelling Supplies
Associated Polymer Services Ltd is a modern company specialising in the manufacture and supply of equipment and materials to the geotechnical and tunnelling industry. Product range: tubes-a-manchette in both steel and plastic; pneumatic/manual packers; polyurethane hydrophilic and hydrophobic resins and pumps; inflatable tunnel/shaft seals and rubber entrance/exit portal seals and portal eye fabrication; conveyor belts; flexible hoses for air/slurry/grout; TBM slurry hoses; grooved and shouldered victaulic pipe, clamps and fittings; gate/ball valves; specialist TBM slurry valves; black iron pipe fittings; three start/BSP threaded non return valves; and cast-in inserts.
Associated Polymer Services Limited, Don Valley Court, Oakes Green, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 3WR, UK, tel +44 (0)114 244 79169, fax +44 (0)114 242 6613, e-mail aps1@compuserve.com
Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS)
Ground Forum Member
The Association represents consultants, contractors and laboratories engaged in geotechnical engineering or contaminated land, including remediation. The AGS directs its activities towards improving site investigation practice through the adoption of a code of conduct, best practice guidance, and benchmarking. Recent publications include: guidelines for combined geotechnical and geoenvironmental ground investigations; and Edition 3 of the AGS Format for the Electronic Transfer of Data from Ground Investigations. This later document elaborates a format for the transfer of data which has become the standard for the geotechnical industry in the UK and elsewhere.
AGS, Forum Court, 83 Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 1NR, UK, tel +44 (0)20 8663 0947, fax +44 (0)20 8663 0949, e-mail info@ground-forum.org.uk or visit www.ground-forum.org.uk
Conflow Limited
Mist Spraying Systems
Conflow Ltd has over fifty years experience in the Underground Mine and Mineral Extraction businesses. With customers in most countries of the world, Conflow has built an enviable reputation for providing solutions to many underground dust and fire problems. One of Conflow's main areas is the provision of mist spraying systems for all relevant applications. Both manual and automatic systems are available for any situation where wet spraying is desirable to control dust and fire.
From the offices in Nottingham and Sheffield, a total service is provided to each client, from assessment through to design and installation. Equipment supplied for each project will include products from Conflow's own high quality product range, complemented at times with components from other leading manufacturers and suppliers. For a total solution to your spraying and general engineering needs contact Herbert Cheetham on 0845 310 8550.
Conflow, President Park, President
Way, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S4 7UR. Tel: +44 (0)114 2240000, Fax: +44
(0)114 2784974, email: info@conflow.com
or visit www.conflow.com
Fibrin (Humberside) Ltd
Polypropylene Fibres
Fibrin is Europe's leading manufacturer of patented polypropylene fibres. These products are available globally through our network of distributors.
Fibrin products have been proven to be beneficial in reducing explosive spalling in concrete exposed to fire. As a result we have been successful in having our product excepted in some sections of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, currently contracts 410 and 320.
Other tunnel project references include sections of Heathrow T5, Elstree Cable Tunnel, National Grid - Kentish Town, and Humbercare Sewage Tunnel, Hull.
Whether in-situ, precast or sprayed concrete, there is a place for Fibrin's polypropylene fibres.
Fibrin (Humberside) Ltd, Borwick Drive, Grovehill, Beverley, East Yorkshire HU17 0HQ, UK, tel +44 (0)1482 863777, fax +44 (0)1482 872800, e-mail info@fibrinuk.co.uk or visit www.adfil.co.uk
Gates Europe NV
Abrasion Resistant Hydraulic Hose
Gates MegaTuff® hydraulic hose offers the abrasion resistance required by the harshest applications. Thanks to their special cover, MegaTuff® hoses are the ideal solution for the most rugged environments such as mining, injection moulding, rock quarries or construction. During hose-to-hose and hose-to-metal abrasion tests, MegaTuff® hose lasts more than three hundred times longer than standard hose, consigning the use of expensive spring guards, nylon sleeves or tubing definitely to the past. Moreover, the tough construction of the hose offers superior flex impulse performance on all sizes, while the extreme flexibility permits tight routing and more compact and economical hydraulic routing.
Gates Europe NV, Dr Carlierlaan 30, B-9320 Erembodegem, Belgium, tel +32 53 762711, fax +32 53 762713, e-mail inforequest@gates.com or visit www.gates.com/europe
Grace Construction Products Ltd
Monofilament Synthetic Fibres
Grace Structural Fibres (GSF) are a new patented high tenacity, synthetic fibre reinforcement designed to provide enhanced structural properties to concrete and shotcrete. Unlike conventional fibrillated and rnonofilament synthetic fibres which are added to concrete for the control of plastic shrinkage cracking, GSF are used in concrete and shotcrete to improve material properties, including toughness (post-crack energy absorption), impact and fatigue resistance. GSF are 50 mm-long monofilament synthetic fibres manufactured from a unique polymer blend. This unique blend of polymers, and the manner in which they are manufactured, enables the monofilament fiber to partially fibrillate during mixing, thereby increasing the bond between the fibre and concrete matrix. This results in enhanced toughness, impact and fatigue resistance and control of plastic shrinkage cracking, with a minimal impact on concrete workability and ease of placement.
Grace Structural Fibres may be used in a variety of ready mix, precast and shotcrete applications, including tunnel linings, slope stabilisation, channel linings and pools.
The utilisation of GSF will eliminate the need for welded wire fabric in most applications. GSF can be used competitively in direct replacement of the best commercially-available steel fibres.
Grace Construction Products Ltd, 852 Birchwood Boulevard, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 7QZ, Cheshire, UK, tel +44 (0)1925 824824, fax +44 (0)1925 824033 or visit www.graceconstruction.com
Health, Safety & Engineering Consultants Ltd (HSEC)
Multi-disciplinary Consultancy
HSEC Limited provides professional multi-disciplinary consultancy in health and safety, project management, engineering and training services. The core capabilities include mechanical, electrical and civil engineering, ergonomics and human factors. Particular services offered to the underground construction industry include design services on underground transport systems, safety assessments on machinery and equipment, including conformity with EC Directives, and consultancy on hand/arm vibration hazards. HSEC has an international reputation in the human factors aspects of safety systems. A "Human Factors Solutions" CD-ROM will be demonstrated at Underground Construction 2001. Human factors play a part in the causes of many accidents. HSEC Ltd's Human Factors CD-ROM is a quick, but sophisticated, method for identifying solutions to potential problems with a construction activity.
Health, Safety & Engineering Consultants Limited, 70 Tamworth Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 2PR, UK, tel 44 (0)1530 412777, fax 44 (0)1530 415592 or visit www.hsec.co.uk
Instrumentation, Testing & Monitoring (ITM) Ltd
Geotechnical Monitoring Systems
ITM are the UK market leaders in the supply and installation of automated structural and geotechnical monitoring systems, and are the UK distributors for Slope Indicator Company of Seattle and Interfels GmbH of Germany. Based in the south east of England, ITM has a UK-wide presence, having worked on nearly all of the major UK civil engineering projects during the last decade, particularly those related to urban tunnelling. ITM services range from the supply of a simple instrument & readout combination, to the installation of a multi-sensor system over a wide area, with automated reporting and alarms. ITM are ISO 9000 registered and have a National Railway Safety Case. Staff members include highly experienced tunnel engineers, and the company consultant is Dr R. Bassett of UCL, a world authority in underground construction.
ITM Ltd, Boart Longyear House, Lewes Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5AA, UK, tel +44 (0)1342 827300, fax +44 (0)1342 826777 or visit www.itm-ltd.com
Lankelma Piling & Engineering Ltd
Cone Penetration Testing
Lankelma Piling & Engineering Ltd is part of the Lankelma Group in the Netherlands (since 1896). Lankelma has been working in the UK and Ireland since 1999, having invested in high-technology equipment that includes a mobile CPT office with fax and e-mail facilities. Lankelma also has mobile rigs, minicrawlers, crawlers, 6x6 trucks and a track truck. Site operations are run by Andy Barwise, a geotechnical engineer with years of experience in cone testing in the UK, Ireland and overseas. All reporting can be carried out digitally, and can be picked up from the Lankelma extranet, e-mailed or send on a CD-ROM.
Lankelma Piling & Engineering Ltd, Cone Penetration Testing Division, Iden, East Sussex TN31 7UY, UK, tel +44 (0)1797 280050, fax +44 (0)1797 280195, e-mail info@lankelma.co.uk or visit www.lankelma.co.uk Also at Congleton, Cheshire, UK and Dublin, Ireland.
Optech Inc
Laser-based Survey Instruments
Established in 1974, Optech is a world leader in advanced laser-based survey instruments, with clients around the globe. Optech products, based on the company's core expertise in pulsed laser radar (lidar), offer client-driven solutions in topographic mapping, hydrographic applications, laser imaging, space-based atmospheric monitors and landing/docking systems, and industrial rangefinders.
ILRIS-3D is a 3D laser imaging system, with digital image capture and sophisticated software tools. Captures point cloud data at 2000 points/second. Typical scenes produce a remarkable 1.2-1.8 million points. Controlled by a palmtop computer, with data stored on ATA flashcard. Eyesafe under all viewing conditions.
Optech Inc, 100 Wildcat Road, Toronto, Ontario M3J 2Z9, Canada, tel +1 416 661-5904, fax +1 416 661-4168, e-mail sales@optech.on.ca or visit www.optech.on.ca
Protan AS
Ventilation Ducting
Established in 1939, Protan AS is located in Drammen, Norway. The company employs a staff of 340 in three divisions. Protan's ventilation division is a world leader in ventilation ducting for underground projects, providing Ventiflex products, technology and design services. The company's annual turnover is some USD 75 million, of which 75 - 80% is generated by exports.
The PVC-coated ventilation ducts offer optimal strength, stability and safety, as well as improved tear-resistance and airflow. A unique mounting system and several coupling systems adapt for different applications. Protan produces certified Ventiflex ducting, the only producer in the world with an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified production. Ventiflex ducting is also certified by MSHA ( Mine Safety and Health Administration) in USA for underground use.
ITV (Intelligent Tunnel Ventilation) and ETS (Electronic Tagging System) offer optimal safe working conditions underground, as well as substantial cost-savings.
Protan AS, PO Box 420, N-3002 Drammen, Norway, tel +47 32 221600, fax +47 32 221700, e-mail sales@protan.com or visit www.protan.com
Quickseal Specialist Contractors Ltd
Specialist Concrete Repair and Protection
Quickseal has expanded to become one of the leading companies specialising in the repair, strengthening and protection of reinforced concrete structures.
Of particular relevance to work in the underground environment, the company provides the following services: sprayed concrete to construct or line shafts and tunnels and to provide facings to diaphragm walls; waterproof renders to seal damp or leaking basements; and Railfix systems to minimise vibration and thereby reduce structural deterioration.
In the United Kingdom, Quickseal is the contracting partner of the Swiss company, Rascor. Together they design and implement both remedial and new-build solutions to waterproofing problems. Their techniques are based upon the pressure injection of aqua-reactive flexible modified acrylic materials into existing cracks or special carrier channels.
Quickseal Specialist Contractors Ltd, The Manor House, 50 Chigwell Road, South Woodford, London E18 1LS, UK, tel +44 (0)20 8530 6808, fax +44 (0)20 8530 7254, e-mail enquiries@quickseal.co.uk or visit www.quickseal.co.uk
Rascor AG
Waterproofing and Grouting Technology
Rascor is a highly specialised company operating in the fields of waterproofing, grouting technology and building/structure preservation and repair. Based in Switzerland, the company develops and produces its own systems, products and machines for the above applications. The foundation stone for the group was laid in 1965 by René P. Schmid, who still heads the company. It is now represented by its own branches and subsidiaries in a number of European, South American, Asian and Arabian countries, ensuring on-the-spot support for all local partners.
Among Rascor's major assets is its tremendous wealth of knowledge and expertise, underpinned by a powerful, efficient global network capable of tackling the most challenging and prestigious of international projects. Recent successes have developed on the effective use of the patent to speed up the construction of tunnels and basements by up to 25% by the employment of RASCOtec re-injectable crack inducers and the White Tank System RASCOR where a 10 year guarantee can be provided against water ingress.
Rascor AG, Wehntalerstrasse 11, CH-8165 Oberweningen, Switzerland, tel +41 1857 1111, fax +41 1857 1100, e-mail martin.smith@rascor.com or visit www.rascor.com
Ruskin Air Management Ltd
Ventilation Dampers
Ruskin Air Management Limited is newly formed following the recent sale of the Actionair business, and works closely with sister company Ruskin, in the USA. The association between the two companies facilitates the complete range of Ruskin dampers and more significantly, Industrial and Tunnel Ventilation dampers.
For over 40 years, Ruskin has been the leader in designing and manufacturing durable, high performance dampers for industrial and tunnel ventilation applications. Experience from Los Angeles to London to Hong Kong, shows Ruskin tunnel ventilation dampers are relied upon worldwide. By using a combination of stainless steel, galvanised steel and aluminium, Ruskin tunnel dampers can withstand the harshest conditions, including the constantly changing environments found in most tunnels.
Ruskin Air Management Ltd, South Street, Whitstable, Kent CT5 3DU, UK, tel + 44 (0)1227 276100, fax + 44 (0)1227 264262, e-mail sales@actionair.co.uk
SolData
Geotechnical Monitoring
Sol Data Ltd provides complete geotechnical and structural monitoring solutions to the civils and construction industries, covering every aspect from classical manual instrumentation techniques to hi-tech automated 'real-time' monitoring systems. Since the inception of the company, its monitoring technologies have been used to assess a wide variety of instrumentation requirements including bridge, viaduct, aqueduct and dam monitoring; buildings located near landslip zones; and subsurface structures, such as tunnels, bunkers and basements.
The company ethos is to work in partnership with clients in order to develop bespoke monitoring solutions, which exactly meet their requirements.
In particular, Sol Data specialises in the provision of automated real-time monitoring solutions, concentrating on the use of electronic instrumentation, and relatively new technologies such as robotic total stations and fibre optic systems.
SolData Limited, Foundation Court, Godalming Business Centre, Catteshall Lane, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1XW, UK, tel +44 (0)1483 425151, fax +44 (0)1483 425151, e-mail stuart.baker@soldata.fr or visit www.soldatagroup.com
Tam - De Neef Ltd
Leak Sealing Experts
Tam - De Neef Ltd was founded by Thomas A M Robbins. Tam - De Neef Limited, in Moreton Pinkney, UK, manufacture and supply leak-sealing products to stop water ingress in any below ground or any water retaining civil engineering structure. An experienced technical support team can advise on products and methods of application. The company approved specialist contractors are trained and highly experienced in resin injection techniques to stop active water leaks, and repair cracks in concrete. Most products are approved by WRAS to the standard BS 6920 : 1996, for use with potable water. Gelacryl 2000 complies with the London Underground Ltd Engineering Standard E1042 A3; Fire Safety Performance of Materials.
Tam - De Neef, Fox Barn, Banbury Road, Moreton Pinkney, Northants NN11 3SQ, UK, tel +44 (0)1295 760992, fax +44 (0)1295 760998, e-mail enquiries@tam-deneef.co.uk
Trolex Ltd
Safety and Environmental Monitoring
For over 40 years, Trolex has specialised in the design and manufacture of sensors for heavy industries, and have always been at the forefront of environmental and safety monitoring technology in the mining and tunnelling industries. An ongoing development programme ensures that Trolex maintains its reputation for innovation and cost effective solutions.
The aim is to provide customers with the complete solution to their monitoring and control requirements, together with the highest standard of quality and service.
Sensors for gas, dust fire and flow, together with a range of controllers and software, can be configured to provide 'total packages', all with the assurance of functional compatibility.
Additionally, Trolex applications engineers can provide installation and commissioning services.
Trolex Ltd, Newby Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 5DY, UK, tel +44 (0)161 483 1435, fax +44 (0)161 483 5556, e-mail info@trolex.com or visit www.trolex.com
VMT GmbH
Survey Technology
VMT was founded in 1994 to supply tailor-made solutions, services and surveying systems to the tunnelling industry. An intimate knowledge of the mechanical manufacturing and construction industry, specifically in the tunnelling environment, enables innovative survey solutions to be offered, which do not disturb or interrupt the production process.
Development of specific systems for the guidance of TBMs in segmentally lined and pipe jacked tunnels has been the major aspect of product development to date. Sales and rental of this equipment around the world have established VMT as the leading survey technology supply company.
In addition to the development and sale of tunnel guidance systems, VMT also offers classical survey services, from the simple to the very specialised. These extend from simple axis and shaft setout, through control measurements of every kind, up to complicated, highly accurate quality control of large steel structures.
In cooperation with associated surveying and engineering companies, VMT will also take care of special tasks, such as GPS measurements for geodetic network or high precision gyrotheodolite measurements for bearing control in tunnelling. This cooperation with other companies, together with VMT's extensive experience, significantly contributes to the overall efficiency of large-scale projects.
In all aspects of its work, VMT uses the most modern and most exacting survey components to guarantee a high level of accuracy, safety and flexibility. Specialities are the supply of guidance systems; machine measurement; network measurement; segmental ring calculation; photogrammetry; and consultancy services.
VMT GmbH, Stegwiesenstrasse 24, 76646 Bruchsal, Germany, tel +49 7251 96990, fax +49 7251 969922, e-mail international@vmt-gmbh.de or visit www.vmt-gmbh.de
Webac Chemie GmbH
Polyurethane and Epoxy Injection Resins
Webac is a German company with branches and representations in numerous countries around the world, including the USA, Brazil, Egypt, UAE, Singapore, and throughout Europe. Being a specialist manufacturer of polyurethane and epoxy injection resins for over 20 years, Webac has one of the widest and most comprehensive ranges for waterproofing and concrete repair. Webac Systems are manufactured to a consistent high quality standard, which reflects in excellent products and application properties. Consequently they are used extensively worldwide, and in many tunnelling projects. Webac Systems also include Polyacrylate Gels, fully approved for use for curtain injection by German Railways, products for soil stabilisation, and other special materials, such as epoxy repair mortars, that can be applied even underwater.
Webac Chemie GmbH, Fahrenberg 22, D-22885 Barsbüttel, Hamburg, Germany, tel +49 (0)40 670 570, fax +49 (0)40 670 3227, e-mail info@webac.de or visit www.webac.de
Zitron SA
Ventilation Systems
Zitron specialises in the design, manufacturing and commissioning of ventilation systems for all types of underground works. Zitron has more than 35 years experience in the ventilation of mines, tunnels, metro, storage caverns, hydro projects tunnels, etc.
After designing the Madrid Metro fans, Zitron has been awarded the contracts for ventilation systems for Valencia, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Val de Rennes.
Zitron has one of the most modern test benches in Europe. The maximum size of the bench is 4 m-diameter, and 1,500 kW of motor power.
Zitron SA, Pol Ind Porceyo, PO Box 404, 33280 Gijon, Spain, tel +34 985 168 132, fax +34 985 168 047, e-mail marketing@zitron.com or visit www.zitron.com
