Istanbul Metro TBM accepted
2 September 2014TURKEY - An Istanbul Metro TBM successfully underwent workshop testing and was accepted by contractor representatives. Manufacturer Terratec held the acceptance ceremony on 28 August. The contractor is a joint venture of Gülermak, Kolin and Kalyon (the GKK JV).
The TBM is a 6.56m diameter EPB machine. The cutterhead has been designed to excavate Istanbul's mixed geology, which includes rock formations.
The tunnel's segmental lining will form universal reinforced concrete ring, with an outer diameter of 6,300mm, inner diameter of 5,700mm.
The TBM will be transported to Turkey and commence boring at site before end of the year.
The JV has been tasked with building a rapid transit line on top of the existing Istanbul Metro system between Mecidiyekoy and Mahmutbey. The new line will be 17.5km in length and consist of 15 stations, the journey time between both locations will take only 26 minutes. It is expected to be in service by 2017.
