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The Pogo Mine, near Delta Junction, Alaska is a new 2500 STPD gold operation. The control system of the mine and milling operations are a hybrid of DCS (Distributed Control System) control and PLC (Programming Logic Controller) control. A DeltaV DCS system serves as the main control and operation platform while the PLCs operate a multitude of vendor specific packages. The communication backbone of the DCS system is a hybrid of star and ring fiber optic topology, which provides reliability and flexibility. The communication between the DCS and PLCs is typically facilitated by serial communication. This communication insures the integrity of the whole control system.

Jan 1, 2008

By Ana E. Bohé, Georgina De Micco, Gastón G. Fouga

"In this work the reaction between several manganese oxides and chlorine is investigated in the range of temperatures between 650 and 950ºC. The reaction path for the chlorination of MnO is established, which involves recrystallization of high valence manganese oxides (Mn3O4 and Mn2O3) followed by its chlorination. For this reason, to understand the reaction of MnO, the chlorination of Mn3O4 and Mn2O3 has also been studied. The starting temperature for the reaction of these oxides is determined by non isothermal thermogravimetric measurements. The effect of temperature is analyzed, under our experimental conditions the rate of reaction is mass transfer controlled. The activation energy for the volatilization of manganese chloride is obtained which is in good agreement with volatilization enthalpy of MnCl2.IntroductionMany oxide ores which have manganese in their composition undergo chlorination processes during the extraction of refractory metals such as Ti, Hf and Nb. Although several works related with chlorination of manganese oxides were reported, there is no information about the kinetics or mechanism of the manganese oxide chlorination reactions. Okahara et al. studied the chlorination of manganese oxides and established that they react easily above 250ºC. Furthermore, they observed that chlorination of high order oxides is more difficult when there is not a reducing agent [1]. Ivashentsev studied the chlorination of manganese oxides using Cl2(g), CO(g) + Cl2(g) and COCl2(g). He established that the reaction of MnO started at 130ºC with formation of MnCl2(s), he also observed recrystallization of manganese sexquioxide [2]. Finally, the chlorination of manganese nodules from the ocean was studied by Murthy and Reddy [3] with the aim of obtaining valuable metals such as Mn, Co, Ni and Cu. They studied the influence of several parameters like temperature, carbon percentage, particle size and chlorine flow rate in the extraction process."

Jan 1, 2008

By Alan G. Mayton

Exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) and the postural requirements of the job have been identified as important risk factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders of the back among workers exposed to a vibratory environment. This paper focuses on preliminary results of WBV data collected for two groups of haulage trucks ? four older trucks from manufacturer A (MFR-A) and two newer trucks from manufacturer B (MFR-B). All of the trucks and their respective seats were considered to be in good working order during the study. Measurement periods for the truck groups had similarities, but varied from 2 to 58 minutes. Sampling times for the older trucks included a mean of 19.5 minutes and a standard deviation (STD) of 6.5 minutes compared to a mean of 40.8 minutes and a STD of 12.1 minutes for the newer trucks. Data collection coincided with the approximate delivery and first operation of the new trucks, and occurred approximately 12 months apart under similar weather and road conditions, and with the same drivers except an additional driver was included with the older trucks. Truck routes were somewhat different in that quarry production had changed location in the time between data collection activities. Overall, the results suggest that the newer trucks may provide better overall isolation to drivers/operators from WBV exposure compared to the older trucks operating at the quarry; although, this will need to be confirmed with additional measurements. Considering the higher variability and shorter sampling times for the older trucks, the results should be viewed with caution. For two of seven trials, the older trucks showed that seats amplified vibration, i.e., a transmissibility (T) >1.0. Seat T for the older trucks ranged from 0.31 to 1.17 with a mean of 0.77 and STD of 0.32. This contrasted with the newer haulage trucks where seats amplified vibration in 3 of 8 trials. In this case, T did not vary greatly and ranged from 0.87 to 1.05 with a mean of 0.97 and STD of 0.07. Regarding older trucks, in five of seven trials, the seat (output) data of weighted root-mean square (RMS) acceleration (wRMSZ) for the dominant z-axis exceeded the action level of 0.5 m/s2 action level recommended by the European Union Good Practice Guide for WBV (EUGPG) and levels exceeded the recommended exposure limit of 1.15 m/s2 in two of the seven trials. The wRMSZ values for the older trucks varied from 0.41 to 1.83 m/s2 with a mean of 0.99 and STD of 0.57. Similarly, newer trucks indicated a narrower range of wRMSZ from 0.38 to 0.95 m/s2. The mean wRMSZ was lower for the newer trucks at 0.58 m/s2 with a STD of 0.23 m/s2. Similarly, newer trucks indicated wRMSZ reached or exceeded the action level in four of eight trials. None of the trials with the new trucks showed wRMSZ levels that reached or exceeded the recommended 1.15 m/s2 exposure limit. As an indicator of driver/operator discomfort, overall weighted total RMS acceleration (vector sum) values seem to show a ?rougher? ride for the older trucks. The vector sum values for these trucks ranged widely from 0.70 to 2.59 m/s2 and, in four of seven trials, showed levels greater than 1.40 m/s2. The mean vector sum was 1.44 m/s2 with a STD of 0.75 m/s2. Comparatively, the newer trucks exhibited less variation with a range from 0.69 to 1.59 m/s2. The mean vector sum was 1.02 m/s2 with a STD of 0.35 m/s2. Vibration dose values for the dominant z-axis (VDVZ), gave a sense of vehicle jarring/jolting conditions. All trials with the older trucks were within the recommended EUGPG action level of 9.1 m/s1.75. On the other hand, in three of eight trials, both newer trucks exceeded this action level with values of 9.18, 12.58, and 13.21 m/s1.75. Neither truck group showed VDVZ that exceeded the exposure limit of 21 m/s1.75. A statistical analysis was not conducted, since the differences reported between truck groups may not be statistically significant owing to the relatively small sample size. Road conditions, changes in the truck routes, and driver/operator differences (e.g., stopping and turning) are possible factors in the higher VDV for the newer trucks.

Jan 1, 2008

By I M. Platten, Y Xie

Complex gold deposits are generally characterised by variable geometries, strong structural controls on grade distribution and a high-nugget effect. The use of diamond drilling and fire assays in this environment often results in an understatement of grade. Bulk samples are likely to be the closest estimators of true grade, and may be required to evaluate geological/grade risk during resource estimation/feasibility studies. Any bulk sampling program requires appropriate planning and implementation. The planning stage should attempt to delimit the extent and nature of mineralisation; characterise mineralogy and metallurgical properties of the ore; and define bulk sample size and how it will be sampled/processed. The approach to sample processing will be governed by the results of metallurgical testing and geological knowledge. Careful design of sampling protocols must be undertaken through material characterisation, understanding of gold particle sizing and the application of GyÆs Sampling Theory.

Jan 1, 2008

By Michael P. Balducci

Urban deep foundation projects contain unique risks that must be recognized by the parties involved. Common pitfalls must be recognized and avoided or addressed through contractual relations and corresponding insurance coverage. By understanding these pitfalls, examining the risk-apportioning clauses and corresponding insurance obligations, may the parties? desires and expectations be met.

Jan 1, 2008

By Keith Heasley

In many practical situation where the LaModel program in used to analyze the mechanical response and failure of the mining environment, there are very few actual field measurement from the site available for deriving the appropriate input parameters. For coping with this typical lack of field data, this paper presents some recommended calibration techniques derived from on an in-depth understanding of the laminated model formulation and from many years of experience applying LaModel to practical situations. For each of the critical input parameters (rock mass stiffness, gob stiffness and coal strength) in LaModel, a specific calibration technique is recommended and presented along with the justification for the technique and some appropriate derivations/equations for assistance. It is hoped that this frank discussion of recommended calibration techniques can help novice LaModel user develop better models and can initiate a discussion among rock mechanics experts on how to improve upon the presented techniques.

Jan 1, 2008

By P. J. N. Pells

A good thing is becoming a bad thing. Rock mass classification systems, that are so excellent for communications between engineers and geologists, and that can be valuable in categorizing project experience, are emasculating engineering geology and rock mechanics. Some engineering geologists have been sucked into thinking that Q and RMR values are all that is needed for engineering purposes, and seem to have put aside what can be learned from structural geology and geomorphology. Many rock mechanics engineers seem to have forgotten the scientific method. This paper attempts to redress the situation by showing how mechanics can be used in rock engineering to design with a similar rigour to that used in the fields of structural engineering, hydraulics and soil mechanics. It also attempts to remind practitioners of what can be achieved by skilled engineering geology.

Jan 1, 2008

By Kenneth R. Chadwick, Thomas J. Tuozzolo, Terence P. Holman

"Micropiles are often installed to retrofit existing foundations that experience distortion and to underpin structures prior to future construction. The Dublin Road Pump Station project is an example of retrofitting due to a basal failure during construction that compromised the bearing capacity of the soils. A completed pump station settled and had to be restored to its original position, and work could not proceed until a new support system for the partially completed wet well could be designed and installed. The project involved the construction of three below-grade structures for a new pump station in a growing area of Jackson Township, N.J. The general contractor constructed three pump station structures consisting of a pump chamber, wet well and an inlet chamber in early 2006.The geologic conditions beneath the project site (Figure 1) consisted of loose/soft to medium dense/stiff sand, silt and clay to a depth of 40 ft below ground surface, underlain by medium dense to dense glauconitic silty fi ne sand. When the general contractor was constructing the wet well, which involved an internally supported sheet pile excavation 32 ft below the ground surface and 28 ft below the static groundwater level, basal failure, boils and ground loss occurred. Driven piles were installed to support the wet well structure, but additional ground loss was observed within and outside the sheet pile excavation, followed by settlement of the adjacent pump chamber structure. Post-failure investigations were conducted by Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers, N.Y. (MRCE), a geotechnical and foundation engineering consultant. Their investigation concluded that the ground losses around the pump station structures had compromised the supportive capabilities of the natural subsoils.The owner engaged Moretrench, a geotechnical specialty contractor, to work with MRCE to develop a constructible solution to support the pump station structures in general and to restore the pump chamber to its original position. Knowing that ground loss had already occurred as a function of the initial basal heave and subsequent pile driving, the team selected micropiles as the preferred foundation element, primarily due to their flexibility in bypassing these disturbed zones and generating capacity as a function of grouting volume and pressure. Drilled piles were also recommended due to concerns about causing additional settlement of the pump chamber if driven piles were used."

Jan 1, 2008

By Michael B. Gilbert

The Woodbury L-73 Tunnel involved the design and construction of a 96-inch tunnel driven through 8,080 lf of very difficult ground conditions. Anticipated ground and groundwater conditions consisted of potentially flowing silty sand with cobbles and boulders, mixed face of sand and sandstone and full face of the St. Peter Sandstone. Actual conditions were similar, although the quantities did change from bid quantities. This paper presents the approach used for development of the GBR regarding risk management. The means of arriving at a fair compensation for variances from the baseline values to address the actual encountered tunneling behavior of the soil, boulder count and its effect on production rates are presented.

Jan 1, 2008

By Wenjie Zhu

Chromite ore processing residue (COPR) is a hazardous waste containing high concentration of chromium. We describe here a pioneer trial of detoxification of COPR in column reactor with an indigenous chromate reducing bacterium Leucobacter sp. Ch1, which showed high chromate reducing ability at high pH. Under the optimum conditions, at 30°C and pH 10.0, pH of leachate decreased from 10.3 to 8.3, and Cr(VI) concentration in solution decreased to zero mg L-1, and 76.4% of Cr(VI) was removed from COPR samples. The leaching toxicity of detoxified residue was 1.1 mg L-1 that was lower than national standard of China.

Jan 1, 2008

By Fred W. Brackebush

In underground stopes that require more than minimal support, backfill is almost universally used. The term cut and fill stopingis used in a broad sense in this section, which describes underground mining methods requiring support. Support in stopes can be classified as local or short-term and general or long-term. Local support for the back of a stope, for example, can be accomplished with rock bolts or timber stulls. General support for the walls of the stope is provided by backfill. Local support provides a safe working place for the stope miners. General support, provided by backfill, preserves the access way to the stope and prevents large scale dilution of ore. Supported methods are a set of cut and fill stoping methods using backfill for general support and various local support methods. his section is subdivided into three chapters: 19.1 Cut and Fill Mining 19.2 Excavation Techniques 19.3 Backfilling Methods

Jan 1, 2008

By B. P. Watson

The first crush pillars on the Bushveld platinum mines were introduced at Union Section in 1978. Before the introduction of crush pillars, serious problems were experienced when stoping advanced to a point 30 m to 40 m on both sides of the centre gully. At least three to four stopes were collapsing per month. The introduction of the pillars stopped the stope collapses in the mining area where they were introduced. The residual stresses of these pillars were never measured; however, the successful elimination of the ?back-break? problem suggests that the original pillars had a residual strength of at least 8 MPa. Apart from back analyses, very little work has been done to determine the residual strength of crush pillars and only very recently have any measurements been made. The lack of knowledge in this field has resulted in pillars being designed based on experience. Concerns about stope collapses, similar to the Coalbrook disaster, have led to larger pillars being cut in more recent times. If such pillars were cut in brittle quartzites they would always fail violently but the ductile nature of the Merensky Reef generally allows large pillars to fail without bursting. Occasionally, however, one would burst in a working area. Increased incidence of bursting has been reported on some mines at deeper levels but most of these bursts occur in the back areas. Nevertheless, the incidence of bursting increases the risk of falls of ground in already dangerous areas, and the larger pillars decrease the extraction ratio. This paper describes the evaluation of stress measurements conducted in two boreholes over a crush pillar with dimensions 2.5 m x4.0 m, and a height of 1.2 m. Boussinesq equations for vertical and shear stress were used to analyse the original measurements and provide a stress profile across the pillar as well as the residual strength of the pillar. The results showed an unexpectedly high peak stress of 280 MPa at the centre of the pillar and a residual strength of 48 MPa. The reason for the high residual strength is suspected to be the result of the stiff environment under which the pillar failed and the small height of the siding on the up-dip edge of the pillar. More measurements should be conducted on several mines to establish a range of residual strengths for narrow crush pillars.

Jan 1, 2008

By L. van Dyk

The project was aimed at evaluating the double-header trains implemented at Great Noligwa mine, looking at the changes from the old conventional trains to the new trains, and identifying possible improvements to obtain an even better and more productive tramming system. The methods used to evaluate the double-header trains at the mine included personal observations, time studies, personal interviews, technical research, safety analysis, cost analysis, production analysis, breakdown analysis, break test analysis, comparisons and working closely with engineering department and manufacturers. Issues that were evaluated are the improvements in safety, cost reductions, tramming congestion reductions, better efficiencies, labour optimization, enhanced driver safety and maintenance. Shortcomings of the double-header trains were identified and recommendations made to improve on the shortcomings. Findings of the evaluation study indicated the following: ?Drastic improvement on safety ?Extreme cost reductions ?Reduction in tramming congestions and bottlenecks ?Better tramming efficiencies ?Optimized labour placement ?Enhanced driver safety ?More effective maintenance. Although there is room for improvements, the double-header trains were implemented with great success at Great Noligwa mine. It is currently the preferred tramming methodology at Great Noligwa mine, and is also implemented at other Anglo Gold Ashanti?South Africa shafts. This tramming system has huge potential for growth, not only in Anglo Gold Ashanti, but in all other older mines that experience major tramming problems.

Jan 1, 2008

By E. Marcoux, F. Lotfi, A. Belkabir, L. Maacha, A. C. Brown, S. Brunet

"Koudiat Aïcha is a small Zn-Pb-Cu deposit, enclosed in the Visean Sarhlef volcano-sedimentary series of the Moroccan Hercynian Jebilet massif. Base metal mineralization is located between a basal unit consisting of black argillite with arenite intercalations, and an upper unit composed of black argillite with locally fossiliferous calcareous units towards the top. Paraconcordant gabbro sills are present in both the upper and basal units, and the enclosing strata. Three successive phases of deformation linked to regional deformation overprint the volcano-sedimentary rocks and gabbros, as well as the sulfide mineralization.The mineral deposit includes several lenses of massive to semimassive pyrrhotite, 1 to 20 m thick, with a large halo of disseminated sulfide veinlets and sulfide nodules within a zone of intense chlorite alteration in the footwall. The ore mineralogy consists of massive to semimassive pyrrhotite with lesser amounts of sphalerite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, pyrite, and stannite.Lead isotope results (206Pb/204Pb averaging 18.27) suggest that the metals of the Koudiat Aïcha deposit are derived from the volcano-sedimentary host rocks. Sulfur isotopes also indicate a volcano-sedimentary origin, with bacterial reduction of sulfate (d34SCDT = -7.5‰ to -10.5‰). The conditions for sulfide meta-morphic equilibration range from 250° to 330°C (sphalerite and chlorite geothermometers). The gabbroic sills could have been a local heat source for hydrothermal circulation. Based on these geological and mineralogical features, a Besshi-type model seems appropriate for the genesis of the Koudiat Aïcha mineralization.Koudiat Aïcha est un petit dépôt de Zn-Pb-Cu, encaissé dans la série volcano-sédimentaire Viséenne de Sarhlef dans le massif Hercynien de Jebilet au Maroc. La minéralisation en métaux usuels se situe entre une unité basale d’argilite noire interlitée d’arénite et une unité supérieure composée d’argilite noire comprenant localement des calcaires fossilifères près de son sommet. Des sills de gabbro paraconcordants sont présent à la fois dans les unités basale et supérieure, ainsi que dans les strates environnantes. Trois phases de déformation successives associées a la déformation régionale superposent leurs effets sur les roches volcano-sédimentaires, les gabbros, ainsi que la minéralisation sulfurée. Ce gîte comprend plusieurs lentilles de pyrrhotite massive a semimassive de 1 a 20 m d’épaisseur au sein d’un large halo de veinules de sulfures disséminés et en nodules au sein d’une zone intensément chloritisée dans le mur du gisement. Le minerai consiste en pyrrhotite massive à semimassive avec des quantités subordonnées de sphalérite, de chalcopyrite, d’arsénopyrite, de galène, de pyrite, et de stannite. Les résultats de l’analyse des isotopes du plomb (206Pb/204Pb moyen de 18.27) suggèrent que les métaux du gîte Koudiat Aïcha proviennent des roches volcano-sédimentaires encaissantes. Les isotopes du souf¬fre indiquent eux-aussi une origine volcano-sédimentaire, impliquant la réduction bactérienne des sulfates (d34SCDT = -7.5‰ et -10.5‰). L’équilibration métamorphique des sulfures s’est produite entre 250° et 330°C (géothermomètres à sphalérite et chlorite). Les sills de gabbro pourraient avoir été la source de chaleur locale responsable de la circulation hydrothermale. Sur la base de ces caractéristiques géologiques et minéralogiques, il semble approprié d’invoquer un modèle de type pour Besshi pour expliquer la genèse de la minéralisation de Koudiat Aïcha."

Jan 1, 2008

By Phillip A. Armstrong, Charles A. Lewinsohn, John H. Gordon

"This paper describes the opportunity offered by employing systems based on mixed conductive ceramics, in particular, ceramics conductive to oxygen ions and electrons, in reducing CO2 emissions from metallurgical production. Membranes based on these mixed conducting properties enable commercial viability of several attractive metallurgical processes. One of these processes utilizes modular, ceramic-membrane structures for the generation of pure oxygen, in tonnage quantity. The membrane-based systems offer significant capital savings and operating efficiencies in various metallurgical processes. The current status of this technology is summarized below.IntroductionCryogenic oxygen supply technology is currently the state-of-the-art for applications that require large quantities of oxygen (hundreds to thousands of tons per day). Cryogenic technology, however, requires substantial energy inputs and, hence, adds significant costs and emissions to processes. Furthermore, cryogenic oxygen supply technology is mature and there is relatively little potential for substantial capital cost reduction or efficiency improvement in coming decades. Non-cryogenic technologies offer a means to reduce the environmental footprint and cost of the oxygen supply facility in various applications.Ion Transport membranesCommercially available non-cryogenic air separation technologies, such as adsorption-based and polymeric membrane-based methods, do not afford the economies of scale that the cryogenic distillation enjoys. Therefore, industrial gas industry researchers began searching for alternatives to the relatively inactive and unselective polymeric membrane materials available. In the late 1980’s, Air Products began developing a new class of highly selective membrane materials with exceptionally high activity for oxygen transport. The materials constitute a class of oxide ceramics, and conduct both oxygen (as oxygen ions) and electrons in the same membrane, separating oxygen from air electrochemically. Numerous detailed process economics studies have shown that, based on these ion-transport membranes (ITM’s), the cost of oxygen can be reduced by approximately one-third relative to that obtained from state-of-the-art cryogenic oxygen supply technology, through a combination of capital cost savings and efficiency improvements. [1,2,3]"

Jan 1, 2008

By Garrett May

We present a periodic technique for measuring the thermal conductivity of thin, disk-shaped samples. In samples of this type, temperature measurements must be made across the sample faces and are therefore subject to large error due to the interface resistance between the temperature sensor and the sample. The technique uses measurements of the amplitude and phase of the periodic temperature across both a reference sample and the unknown material at several different frequencies. Modeling of the heat flow in the sample allows the simultaneous determination of the thermal parameters of the sample as well as the interface resistance. The technique is demonstrated on nanocomposite samples less than 1.0 mm thick.

Jan 1, 2008

By P. C. Holloway

La Oroya zinc ferrite (19.5% Zn, 26.6% Fe, 0.052% Ga, 0.075% In) was roasted with coal under conditions more oxidizing than normally used in a Waelz kiln, and the roasted residues were leached with 200 g/L H2SO4. Overall zinc recoveries of up to 97% were achieved, with 35% of the zinc reporting to the fume after roasting at 1,100°C with a bituminous coal addition of 20%. Under these conditions, 93.2% of the Cd, 13.4% of the Cu, 33% of the Ga, 61% of the In and 18.2% of the Pb were recovered either in the fume or in the leach solution. At 2006 metal prices, the value of the recovered metals is comparable to that obtained from commercial Waelz kiln processing of this residue. Zinc in the franklinite (ZnFe2O4) mineral is reduced to zinc vapor, and, after oxidation, some of the zinc is found as ZnO or as Zn2SiO4 in the roasted residue. Iron reacts to form either hematite (Fe2O3) or magnetite (Fe3O4), with no metallic iron detected in the roasted residue, and less than 2% of the iron is solubilized during leaching. The residue produced after roasting and leaching is, therefore, much more stable than the residue from Waelz kiln processing and should be suitable for disposal in a landfill.

Jan 1, 2008

By Hui-Gai Li

The fine Ti oxide inclusions precipitated during solidification are favorable for intragranular ferrite nucleation. The oxygen content before solidification affects the composition and size of inclusions. The composition of precipitated inclusions in Mn-Ti alloyed steel was studied by means of thermodynamic calculation and experiment in this paper. The micro-segregation of Mn, Ti and O during solidification was considered in calculation and unidirectional solidification apparatus was employed in experiment to ensure that alloy elements diffused along solidification direction. The results showed that: inclusions are mainly Ti oxide when oxygen content is 10ppm; they are Ti oxide and Mn-Ti oxide when it is 20ppm; Mn-Ti oxide dominates when it is 30ppm. With the increase of oxygen content, the size of inclusions increases. The maximum oxides size is about 3µm from statistical results of experiment.

Jan 1, 2008

By GA Harrison

The introduction of Extra Low Profile (XLP) mechanised equipment within Anglo Platinum is aligned with the overall New Mining Technologies strategy to focus on continuing modernization of our mining operations to achieve injury free sustainable production and cost effective mining technologies. The method allows for the introduction of a suite of XLP and Low Profile (LP) equipment in a narrow reef (1,2m) mining environment. For the first time it is now possible to achieve total trackless mechanisation at these stoping widths and XLP Breast mining has the potential to add more value when benchmarked with conventional mining and other mechanised methods. Various types of XLP equipment were tested at different sites within Anglo Platinum and this paper describes the XLP equipment evolution to-date. It concludes with recommendations on our future strategy regarding implementation and roll out of the XLP technology within Anglo Platinum.

Jan 1, 2008

By Martin Herrenknecht

Tunnel boring machine (TBM) development continues to take on not only larger diameters, but also more difficult ground conditions. Ground conditions consisting of unstable faces with water pressures up to 15 bar have required innovative design approaches. A systems approach has been required to produce tunneling machines that can safely excavate the tunnel in an efficient, cost-effective manner that stresses production and labor saving approaches. This article reviews the current design developments and present recent projects where these most recent principles have been applied. The world?s growing population and rapidly proceeding urbanization are boosting an enormous demand for new and high-capacity infrastructures to secure the mobility of goods and people. Densely populated areas face the challenge of providing efficient traffic infrastructure such as a modern public transport system. At the same time, the maintenance and modernization of supply and disposal structures for water, sewage, energy and communication are essential. Last but not least, are supra-regional transportation routes such as long distance water diversion schemes. All of these projects are as demanding and are characterized by a tight time schedule. In this context, the demand for efficient tunnels for traffic and utility lines is increasing, as new infrastructures often leads underground because of limited space above ground. Also, tunnels are the obvious choice to cross natural barriers like mountain ranges. To handle the complex and variable geological conditions and other constraints, such as low overburden, high water pressure or long tunnel drives while facing increasing demand of a quick completion of a project, mechanized tunneling sets standards regarding safety, profitability and environmental protection in traffic tunneling projects as well as in the trenchless construction of utility tunnels. Different machine types and working principles have been developed to master various geological and hydrogeological requirements. Continuous activity in research and development leads to constant improvement of the mechanized tunneling process.

Jan 1, 2008