A micro-tunnelling first for Sub-Saharan Africa
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Hatch Goba’s selection of an appropriate trenchless technology had to take into account the specific constraints of this major project. “The most appropriate and least risky solution for the extension of the sewer under the congested Mahatma Gandhi Road was determined to be a trenchless method using a slurry-type Herrenknecht AVN micro-tunnelling technique,” Montso Lebitsa, Hatch Goba manager for tunnels and trenchless technology, confirms.
“This type of tunnelling method is unique in South Africa, and sets the precedent for future project innovations,” Lebitsa adds. Micro-tunnelling is a non-manned mechanised pipe jacking technology, whereby all jacking and alignment are controlled from a computerised control cabin at the top of jacking pit.
Specific project constraints influencing the selection of the appropriate trenchless technique were ground conditions, limited working space, the size of the sewer and the vertical alignment control. The installation took just 24 days to complete in May 2012, which was a major achievement for the project team.
The 221 m long micro-tunnel consisted of a 113 m straight section from the jacking pit, a 102 m curved length with a 350 m radius (to bypass the protected historic Harbour Master Building), and a 6 m straight section breaking into the existing Harbour Tunnel northern entrance.
The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Divisional Award for Operation and Maintenance Projects was presented to Hatch Goba in October 2014 in recognition of the lead role that the company played in ensuring the overwhelming success of the project.
Hatch Goba was again commended a month later with a special mention in the Civil Engineering Contractors’ category at the prestigious Best Projects Competition hosted by Crown Publishing’s Construction World magazine.
Ends
Notes to the Editor
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About Hatch Goba
Hatch Goba supplies process and business consulting, information technology, engineering, procurement and project and construction management and operational services to the mining, metallurgical, energy and infrastructure industries.
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