A total of 5,740m of water transfer tunnels are to be excavated by TBM for irrigation and hydropower projects in Azerbaijan in the country’s first use of the shields.
Robbins is to supply a 6.3m diameter mixed face EPBM, backup, tools, segment moulds and plant, rolling stock, ventilation, spares and operators to contractor Azerkorpu for the project in central Asia.
The TBM’s shield will be manufactured in China due to proximity to Azerbaijan, where the entire machine will also be assembled and undergo tests in the factory, which are scheduled for March 2009.
The main parts of the EPBM – bearing, motors, gear boxes, cylinders, electric and hydraulic system will be made elsewhere – US, EU and Japan – and shipped to China.
Three tunnels are to be bored by the TBM with lengths of 3,000m, 1,380m and 1,360m, respectively. Launch is scheduled for May next year and excavation is expected to be completed in eight to nine months, said Robbins.
Geology comprises hard clay and silty sand, and there is no groundwater. The cutterhead will be fitted with discs and rippers. The tunnels are to be lined with 1.5m long, universal segmental rings (5+1) of 5.4m i.d. and 300mm thickness.
The contract for the TBM and accessories was awarded by Azerkorpu in March, and the contractor plans to use the EPBM on several other projects in the country.
Both tunnel and open canal construction is required for the Samur-Apsheron Irrigation Project, which is being developed by the government. The conduits will convey water from Samur river for irrigation purposes and also to help supply the new Takhtakerpu hydropower plant, which is scheduled to be operational in 2010.
