Future Generation Joint Venture has completed the travelling framework for Snowy 2.0’s Tantangara intake transition tunnel.
The Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project is Australia’s largest renewable energy project.
The formwork is an essential piece of equipment in shaping the tunnel as it transitions from rectangular to circular, by facilitating the construction process and worker access. It carries the formwork needed for concrete pours for both the wall and crown sections of the transition tunnel.
Building the travelling formwork was an intricate process. The laser-cut timber sections were fabricated offsite. Once the frame was assembled, the prefabricated panels were installed.
The modular formwork allows the panels to be removed and replaced as the geometry changes throughout the transition tunnel.
The heaviest section weighs 45 tonnes, with the heaviest weight up to 115 tonnes.
A 750-tonne crawler crane was used to lower the formwork approximately 50m into the intake pit, and a winch system moved it into position along 70m rails.
Once complete, the transition tunnel will link the intake to the headrace tunnel, which will deliver water to the turbines in the Snowy 2.0 power station.
Future Generation Joint Venture broke through at the Tantangara intake tunnel in October last year.
