Case Study On Underwater Metro Tunnel, Kolkata

Under the guidance : Presented By :

Prof. Swapnil B. Gorade Sir Course – Construction Techniques & Pratik Sawant (BTCVA73)
Retroftting System (PEC -V –
BCI7501B)
(IE 1 Presentation)
 INDEX
• Introduction
• Importance
• Tunnel Boring Machine
• Subsoil Conditions at
site
• Design and construction
of underwater tunnel
• Tunneling Procedure
• Learning outcome
• Reference
 INTRODUCTION
▪ The Underwater Metro in Kolkata, also known as the East-West Metro, is a
groundbreaking transportation project located in the city of Kolkata, India.
▪ It is one of the most unique metro systems in the world due to its innovative
underwater tunnel that passes beneath the Hooghly River.
▪ The metro line spans approximately 16.6 km with width of 5.5 metres and
connects the Salt Lake to Howrah Maidan in the west.
▪ It consists of 520-meter-long underwater tunnel that lies 30 meters below the
surface of the Hooghly River.
▪ To build the underwater section, engineers implemented the innovative 'Tunnel
Boring Machine' (TBM) method.
 IMPORTANCE OF PROJECT
▪ Traffic Decongestion
▪ Enhanced Connectivity
▪ Time Efficiency
▪ Environmental Pollution Is
Reduced
▪ Urban Redevelopment
▪ The project showcases India's
engineering capabilities on a
global stage
Figure No 01 Tunnel interior
Source-
https://assets.telegraphindia.com/telegraph/2023/Apr/1682001079_1
681985610712-01-1.jpeg
Construction Technology used - TBM
Tunnel Boring Machine:
A tunnel boring machine
(TBM) also known as a “mole“, is a
machine used to excavate tunnels
with a circular cross section through
a variety of soil and rock strata.
They can bore through hard rock,
sand, and almost anything in
between. Tunnel diameters can
range from a metre (done with
micro-TBMs) to almost 16 metres.
Figure No 01 TBM
Source- https://assets.telegraphindia.com/telegraph/2023/Apr/1682001079_1681985610712-
01-1.jpeg
SUBSOIL CONDITIONS
• There is weak cohesive strata in the upper layers except for a thin surface crust
which appears somewhat firm due to desiccation. The upper strata consist of
silty clay/clayey silt, particularly soft in the top 12-15 m, with decayed
vegetation.
• Alternate layers of firm to stiff silty clay with laminations are found below 15 m
depth.
• Thereafter dense sand is found below 25 m depth.
• Below 32 m depth the subsoil consists of stiff to hard mottled brown silty
clay/clayey silt followed by dense sand at 40 m depth.
• Further below, successive layers of stiff clay and / or dense sand are found to
extend to depth of 60-70 m below G.L.
Design and construction of underwater tunnel
• The tunnel will have an internal diameter of 5.55m and an external diameter of
6.1m. The spacing between the tunnels will be 16.1m centre-to-centre
• The inner walls of the tunnel are being made with M50 grade, reinforced
concrete segments with a thickness of 275mm each.
• Concrete mixes composed of fly ash and micro silica have been used for the
segments to minimise water permeability.
• The segments are being sealed using a complex grouting process
• A two-component grout mix, including slurry made of water, cement and
bentonite and sodium silicate, is being used to fill the gaps. The liner segments
are fitted with German-made neoprene and hydrophilic auxiliary gaskets, which
expand when in contact with water to prevent inflow through segmental joints.
Boring the twin underwater tunnels
• Two German-made tunnel boring
machines (TBMs), named Prerna
and Rachna
• Equipped with earth pressure
balancing (EPB) capabilities
• Each TBM is 8.5m-long, as tall as
a two-storey building and has
backup gantries extending to
100m.
• generator sets of 1,010kVA will
supply power to the boring Figure No 03 Tunnel Cross section
machines, which are equipped Source- https://assets.telegraphindia.com/telegraph/2023/Apr/1682001079_1681985610712-
01-1.jpeg
with five motors exceeding
650HP.
Tunneling Procedure By TBM :
• TBM Assembly:The TBM is transported to the construction site in sections and
then assembled in place.
• Launch Shaft: A launch shaft is constructed at the starting point of the
tunnel. This serves as the entry point for the TBM.
• Tunnel Face Excavation: The TBM is lowered into the launch shaft and
positioned at the tunnel face (the front end of the tunnel). The cutting
head, equipped with disc cutters, is set in motion, and the TBM starts to
rotate.
• Shield Support: The TBM uses hydraulic jacks to push itself forward
against the tunnel face. The shield of the TBM provides support and
stability to the tunnel face as the cutting head advances.
Tunneling Procedure By TBM :
Excavation and Spoil Removal:
As the cutting head rotates, it fractures and dislodges the soil, rock, and other materials in its path. The
loosened material is mixed with a slurry (a mixture of water and soil) and pumped back to the surface
through a system of pipes.
Segmented Lining Installation:
Behind the TBM, a conveyor system or mechanical arms place precast concrete segments to form the
tunnel lining. These segments interlock to create a continuous, secure tunnel lining.
Continuous Forward Progress:
The TBM continues its forward movement while repeating the excavation and lining installation
process.
Monitoring and Safety:
Throughout the tunneling process, engineers and technicians monitor various parameters, such as ground
settlement, TBM performance, and soil conditions.
Finishing Work:
Once the tunnel is complete, finishing work, such as installation of track, electrical systems, and other
infrastructure, is carried out to prepare it for operation.
Learning Outcome
✓ The utilization of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) in the construction of the
underwater metro in Kolkata yielded several key learning outcomes. Firstly, it
demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of employing advanced tunneling
technology in challenging underwater environments, showcasing the
adaptability of TBMs to varying geological conditions. Additionally, the project
underscored the importance of meticulous planning, precision engineering, and
stringent safety measures when executing large-scale underground
construction, setting a benchmark for future underwater tunneling endeavors.
References
[1]Ahmed M.J. - Assessment of Geological and Technical inputs for optimization of TBM
[2]Billore M.S., Geed V.K., - Photographs
[3]M. Krishnamoorthy, G.C. Vyas, Rajeev Sachedeva – Civil design aspects of Indira Sagar Project.
[4]https://media.springernature.com/lw685/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs10706-012-9555-
9/MediaObjects/10706_2012_9555_Fig1_HTML.gif
[5]https://media.springernature.com/lw685/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1007%2Fs10706-012-9555-
9/MediaObjects/10706_2012_9555_Fig1_HTML.gif