Breakthrough on Black River Tunnel project
17 June 2014A Robbins double shield TBM broke through at the Black River Tunnel Project in Lorain, Ohio late last month. The project marks the first use of Onsite First Time Assembly (OFTA) in the US, which Robbins stated shaved valuable time off of the project timeline.
The machine and continuous conveyor system were assembled at the jobsite with the help of Robbins field service technicians, rather than in a shop. The TBM was launched on November 18, 2013, just three months after assembly began.
"The machine performed quite well," said Gregg Rehak, tunnel supervisor for contractor Super Excavators. ³Now we have to remove the TBM, which will take about four weeks; then rebar tying and concrete pouring can start."
Once finished, the tunnel will have a storage capacity of 42Ml per day, which will provide a significant boost in water quality for Lorain. Final project completion is set for 2015.
