In line with the Group’s motto “Shared Innovation”, Dragages Hong Kong has always been looking for innovative ways to enhance safety and efficiency, spanning from design to construction. Our innovativeness is highly recognised at the *Tunnelling Awards 2017.  Among a total of 13 categories, Dragages Hong Kong / Dragages-Bouygues Joint Venture received 4 prestigious awards.

Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link – Northern Connection Sub-sea Tunnel Section 

• CONTRACTOR INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
• YOUNG TUNNELLER OF THE YEAR – MORGAN OLERON 

Despite some Hong Kong’s most technically-demanding challenges, our team members have introduced a number of technical FIRSTS in the project. Dragages-Bouygues Joint Venture developed new tunnelling solutions for the excavation of cross passages under variable geological ground conditions and high hydrostatic pressure. Excavation of 48 cross passages by pipe-jacking TBMs in less than 24 months, a FIRST in Hong Kong’s tunnelling projects.

 Judge’s comment:

“Demonstrates an extensive research programme and dedication to find an improved solution to probably one of the greatest challenges for Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) soft ground transport tunnels. The cross passage construction technique is a step change in the approach rather than just an incremental change in methodologies.”

FACTS & FIGURES

• World’s LARGEST TBM: 17.6m in diameter
• HK’s DEEPEST sub-sea road tunnels: 50m below sea level
• HK’s LONGEST sub-sea road tunnels: Approximately 5km long x 2 tubes
• HK’s GREATEST NUMBER of cross passages for road tunnels: 52

MTR Shatin to Central Link – Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter to Admiralty Tunnels – Contract No. 1128

• DESIGNER INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

Through the introduction of a number of Technical FIRSTS, our project team members navigated through the city’s business district in advance of schedule. The project team developed a pre-stressed TBM launching structure – a “starwheel with pre-stressed bars” to provide much needed working space for TMB assembly work and create a safer work environment. Believed to be Hong Kong’s FIRST, this innovation is highly commended by the judging panels in terms of value engineering.

19 November also marked a major milestone of the project with the completion of the final rail tunnel drive of our TBM.  Such also represented the completion of all tunnel boring works for the entire Shatin to Central Link.

Judge’s comment:

“The Judges were very impressed with the innovation demonstrated with the use of the star wheel and pre stressed launch frame. They demonstrated a broad understanding and capability in value engineering which delivered huge benefits for the end user. The presentation was given with passion, enthusiasm and demonstrating a depth of knowledge and expertise.”

FACTS & FIGURES

• Eastern Tunnels: 680m x 2 tunnels
• Western Tunnels: 480m x 2 tunnels
• The city’s FIRST Variable Density TBM

Liantang / Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point – Site Formation & Infrastructure Works Contract 2

• GLOBAL TUNNELLING TEAM OF THE YEAR

2017 is an important year to our Liantang project team which reached a number of major milestones including three tunnel breakthroughs within half a year. The success of first-ever 180-degree U-turn operation within one of the city’s largest cavern in only three months not only is an exemplar in the industry.

Judge’s comment:

“This huge, high-achieving dynamic team of expert engineers, managers and site staff have brought diverse and extensive experience together to deliver a complex scheme involving the longest road tunnel in Hong Kong. The U-turn of the 14m diameter TBM in an underground cavern, and an excellent safety record tipped the balance for the Judges of this category.”

FACTS & FIGURES

• Tunnels: 2 x 4.8km long
• LONGEST twin tube road tunnel
• LARGEST Earth Pressure Balanced TBM with a diameter of 14.1 metres
• In-house INNOVATIONS – MOBYDIC (TBM disc cutter monitoring system), TELEMACH (automated TBM disc cutter replacement), ROBY 850 (semi-automatic drilling robot)

*Organised by New Civil Engineer, the British engineering magazine, the award winners are selected by a judging panel of major clients, contracts and consultants in recognition on best practices in tunneling expertise.