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ISTANBUL METRO EXTENSION ISTANBUL, TURKEY
May 13, 2005
At the 2005 World Tunnel Congress & 31st ITA-AITES General Assembly held in Istanbul Turkey, the Joint Venture of Gülermak-Dogus signed a contract with LOVAT for the purchase of a 6.5 metre-diametre Earth Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machine along with associated ancillary equipment. The LOVAT RME257SE will be boring twin 2,950-metre tunnels for the expansion of the Istanbul Metro. The geology is expected to be soft ground soft ground predominantly consisting of clay, silt and sand, while operating 10m to 48m deep. Maximum groundwater height above tunnel invert is 45 m. Under the supervision of LOVAT, RME257SE will be refurbished and ready to bore by September 13th, 2005. An addition to the LOVAT 8.0-metre EPB machine for the Marmaray Bosphorus Railway Tube Crossing Project and a 5.9-metre machine for the Ankara Metro, this is the third LOVAT TBM supplied toTurkey.
23RD AVENUE STORAGE TUNNEL EDMONTON, CANADA
May 06, 2005
A LOVAT TBM has once again completed an important community infrastructure project in Edmonton. The client - The City of Edmonton - is using their 3.2 metre-diameter mixed-face Tunnel Boring Machine originally manufactured by LOVAT in 1980. LOVAT has been helping the City of Edmonton re-use the machine in many projects since then. The LOVAT M126SE has finished boring the 23rd Avenue Storage Tunnel which will be used to collect storm-water run-off. The machine broke through on 19th Avenue and Gateway Boulevard (pictured above) in a 5.5 metre removal shaft after completing 1,212 meters of pre-fabricated concrete-segment tunnel. M126SE bored through clay with boulders, contaminated soils and wet moving sands. M126SE is scheduled to be serviced and utilized next in Calgary, Alberta for a 900 metre storage tunnel.
MARMARAY BOSPHORUS RAILWAY TUBE CROSSING ISTANBUL, TURKEY
April 29, 2005
LOVAT is proud to be part of one of the more challenging infrastructure projects in the world. The client - GN (GAMA NUROL Joint Venture) - is contracted to DLH (General Directorate of Railways, Harbours and Airports Construction) - under the Turkish Ministry of Transportation. GN has contracted with LOVAT to design and custom-manufacture a 8 meter-diameter mixed-face Earth Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machine along with associated ancillary equipment. The LOVAT RME314SE will be used in the Marmaray Bosphorus Railway Tube Crossing, a twin-tube railway crossing. The rail line will connect the European and Asian continents underneath the Bosphorus Strait and includes tunnelling on both sides of the Bosphorus as well as an immersed tunnel in this deep crossing (55 meters depth). RME314SE will be boring approximately 2140-meters (each tube) as a portion of the approach on the European side. RME314SE will bore through stiff clays, as well as sand and interbedded limestone. The TBM will erect and install a pre-fabricated concrete segment tunnel with significant design considerations on potentially-volatile local seismic conditions. RME314SE is scheduled to be delivered January 23rd, 2006.
KROLSKY TUNNEL PROJECT, KRASNORYARSK, RUSSIAN FEDERATION
April 15, 2005
"Bamtonnelstroy" of Krasnoryarsk, Russia accepted successful testing of their new Tunnel Boring Machine "Martha". Lovat designed and manufactured this 9.5 meter-diameter, hard rock machine 3 months ahead of schedule. The Project Schedule was driven by assembling the TBM prior to winter setting in, which can start in September. The 1250-Tonne Single-Shield Rock TBM, Model LOVAT RME375SE Series 21400, is a Dual-Mode Machine, which operates in Open Mode for rock and can be converted to E.P.B. if there is a presence of water. The TBM is to be used to bore the 2,250 meter Krolsky Tunnel, through a combination of Slates, Limestone and Granite. Accepting the TBM on behalf of "Bamtonnelstroy" was Mr. A. Golyshev, General Director of "Bamtonnelstroy". Attending the ceremony as guests of LOVAT were representatives from Export Development Canada (export credit), Royal Bank of Canada (project financing), and Hatch Mott MacDonald (tunnel lining designer). The TBM is expected to begin excavation September 30, 2005.
PERRY-TAGGERT SANITARY SEWER PROJECT DELAWARE COUNTY, OHIO, U.S.A.
April 1, 2005
Frank Coluccio Construction Co. of Seattle, Washington launched today, April 1st 2005, LOVAT Microtunnelling Machine "Catrina" in Delaware County, Ohio. The Olentangy River in Delaware is to be crossed, four times in this project. Since the river is designated as a scenic river and is therefore protected, LOVAT microtunnelling technology is being used to eliminate intrusion. The owner of this project, Delaware County of Ohio has mandated four Microtunnel crossings of the river ranging from approximately 250 feet to approximately 400 feet in length, using 60-inch Permalok casing. The LOVAT 60-inch/1.524 metre diametre machine will be driving through "extremely difficult" ground conditions ranging from solid limestone (up to 12,000 psi), to flowing sands and gravel, as well as cobbles and boulders (up to 30,000 psi).
LOVAT customizes a complete line of tunnelling equipment and services to specific project requirements, throughout the world. LOVAT machines are highly versatile and built to the most rigorous safety and quality standards. Additionally, LOVAT is the only tunnelling equipment manufacturer who fully designs, manufactures, assembles and tests the entire TBM under one roof. For additional information visit www.lovat.com.
BRADSHAW INTERCEPTOR SEWER - SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
March 24, 2005
Affolder Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri, is scheduled to launch the LOVAT Tunnel Boring Machine, Model MP121RL/PJ Series 8600 in Sacramento, California on Monday, March 28, 2005. The Bradshaw Interceptor is a pipeline conveying wastewater from northeastern Sacramento County to the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. The implementing agency Sacramento Regional Sanitation District. The refurbished 121-inch diameter machine will be excavating an approximate length of 8,000 feet under mostly major roadways, at an average depth of 35 feet. The project is scheduled for completion by summer 2006.
LOVAT customizes a complete line of tunnelling equipment and services to specific project requirements, throughout the world. LOVAT machines are highly versatile and built to the most rigorous safety and quality standards. Additionally, LOVAT is the only tunnelling equipment manufacturer who fully designs, manufactures, assembles and tests the entire TBM under one roof. For additional information visit www.lovat.com.
METROPOLITANO DE LISBOA
March 11, 2005
 LOVAT's 9.8 metre (386 inch) EPB TBM, Model ME386SE Series 15500, continues to penetrate the Portuguese ground - with all systems working well! As of last weeks site report, the tunnel boring machine, had erected 300 rings. The LOVAT TBM and the contractor - Somague, BPC, ENGIL, SPIE, SBES JV (ACE) and their crew erected an impressive 8 rings, in a 10 hour shift, averaging 6.2 rings with a target of 10 rings/shift. The expected geology is - clay for approximately 1,000 rings and bassalt for the last 178 rings, anticipating a slow transition from clay to rock.
METRO CARACAS LINEA 3
February 25, 2005
Ghella Sogene C.A. of Caracas, Venezuela is scheduled to re-launch "Betania" - LOVAT Tunnel Boring Machine, Model RMP228SE Series 6900, in Caracas, early next week. Starting from the El Valle shaft, the refurbished 5.8 metre diameter machine will be excavating an approximate length of 2.28 km - under several buildings and the foundation of an overpass bridge. Boring through a very mixed stratum, consisting of schist, sand, clay and sandy clay, the entire tunnel alignment is being constructed beneath the ground water table, with an expected water pressure of about 1 bar, at the tunnel crown. A "twin tunnel" design - the RMP228SE will be installing a prefabricated reinforced concrete, segmental lining. LOVAT refurbished and increased the diameter of the TBM from 225 to 228 inches. Part of the refurbishment included the manufacture of a new forward shell and cuttinghead.
METRO MILAN EXTENSION
February 18 , 2005
 Congratulations to TORNO INTERNAZIONALE SPA & to the City of Milan, Italy. LOVAT's 6.54 metre diameter refurbished tunnel boring machine Model RME257SE Series 17900, broke through on Saturday, February 12, 2005 at "Pozzo Pisacane" at ring #814 (last ring erected was #820).
"UNDERGROUND CITY 2005"
February 11 , 2005
On January 24th - 27th, 2005, Global Expo Ltd, the Tunnel Association of Russia, the organizing committee, along with all of its sponsors, put together one of Russia's most prestigious international exhibitions - "Underground City 2005" at the ExpoCenter in Moscow, Russia. An annual event - some of the main goals of the exhibition were; to show the existing achievements in the development of underground space of major cities, attract attention to the problems of waterproofing underground facilities on the basis of using new designs of lining, materials and drainage installations. As well as the display of equipment and technology associated with underground construction. LOVAT, situated on 48m2 of exhibit space, showcased its range of state-of-the-art, custom designed and manufactured, tunnel boring machines and related equipment. Attendees included heads and specialists from the Russian Federation, and municipalities who oversee the construction of the city infrastructure and transport. A participant of last years event, LOVAT would like to thank all those who visited us at Underground City 2005 (Hall: 1 Booth: D26) and look forward to seeing you at next years exhibition.
SHOAL CREEK TUNNEL, Austin, Texas
February 4 , 2005
W.L. Hailey & Company Inc. - owner of LOVAT TBM Model M100RL Series 13600, have begun work on the new Shoal Creek Wastewater Improvements Tunnel project in Austin, Texas. Starting from a shaft north of 34th Street, the tunnel alignment is to run under the creek to a shaft located south of the 29th Street bridge. The LOVAT TBM will be used to cut a 3,500 foot long tunnel that will house a 66 inch diameter fibreglass pipe to replace an existing deteriorating line. The construction of the tunnel is to replace the existing 54 inch line, which involves the installation of the 66 inch pipe, within the primary lining. The LOVAT TBM is to install the Rib & Lagging tunnel 40 to 60 feet beneath the surface, boring through clay compact shale/sand stone. The tunnel is part of the Austin Clean Water Program (ACWP) aimed to eliminate wastewater overflows in Austin. Completion of the project is scheduled for summer 2006.
SOUTH EDMONTON SANITARY SEWER, SECTION SW2
January 28, 2005
LOVAT has received an order to design and manufacture a new soft ground cuttinghead, for LOVAT tunnel boring machine, Model RMP100SE Series 19200, currently owned by The City of Edmonton. The new cuttinghead will be fitted to the 2.54 metre diameter machine and used to excavate 1,600 metres of tunnel in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
METRO DE VALENCIA - LOVAT 375 12500 TBM
January 21, 2005
On the move…again! As of January 5, 2005, LOVAT TBM Model RMP375SE Series 12500 has resumed mining on the Metro de Valencia, subway tunnel project in Valencia, Venezuela. The 9.525 metre diameter - mixed ground TBM, is to bore 600 metres, installing a tunnel lining of prefabricated concrete segments measuring 9.242 metre (outside diameter) and 8.442 metre (inside diameter), before reaching the next station.
GALLERIA DI PONTE LADRONE
December 24, 2004
Congratulations to Italian contractor Monaco S.p.A.! LOVAT TBM Model M157SE broke through on Thursday, December 16, 2004 - completing 600 metres. Located in the suburbs of Rome, Italy, the 3.9 metre LOVAT tunnel boring machine, bored through Roman clay - working 10 hours/shift - 5 days/week. The TBM is to be repositioned in a location close to the breakthrough shaft, in preparation for its next 1.6 kilometre long drive, for the same project - ACEA sewer duct for the city of Rome. The scheduled launch date is February 2005.
METRO MILAN EXTENSION - MILAN, ITALY
December 17, 2004
Congratulations to TORNO INTERNAZIONALE SPA & to the City of Milan, Italy. LOVAT's 6.54 metre diameter, refurbished tunnel boring machine Model RME257SE Series 17900, excavated 511 metres (working 3 shifts x 8 hours/shift) for the month of November! The TBM is currently stopped 2.5 metres from the Pero's Station wall, with 253 metres to go, before breaking through at the Pisacane shaft. Work is scheduled to resume after the Christmas break, in January 2005.
PROLONGACION LINEA 7 TRAMO 2 - "METRO MADRID"
December 10, 2004
LOVAT is pleased to announce, that the Dragados owned TBM is about to get rejuvenated "again" and start work on the Prolongacion Linea 7 Tramo 2 - "Metro Madrid", tunnel project. The metro sized TBM is to bore 4,000 m of tunnel through Spanish clays and sands.
LOVAT's M288SE Series 13000 EPB TBM, has been employed by its owner Dragados of Madrid, Spain, for the last 11 years!
The LOVAT TBM is without doubt no stranger to the Spanish underground. Originally delivered in May 1993, the TBM has been a resident of Spain ever since, working on several projects.
7.4 m in diameter, the tunnel boring machine had previously been used by Dragados on major jobs. Subsequent to its initial drive on the Pasillo Verde tunnel, the machine was refurbished, and sent to work on various Metro Madrid sections.
Since those record setting days, the TBM has completed various jobs, with the more recent "La Robla" tunnel project.
TARMANCHUKAN TUNNEL PROJECT - KHABAROVSK, EASTERN SIBERIA
December 03, 2004 
"EKATERINA"…Breaks Through!
Congratulations are extended to the Client - Bamtonnelstroy of Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
LOVAT TBM Model RME139SE Series 21100 broke through on November 16, 2004, completing 1,891 metres, on the Tarmanchukan Tunnel Project, in the Khabarovsk region in Eastern Siberia.
Many were present during the breakthrough ceremony including, Mr. A.G. Titov, Deputy Chief Engineer of Bamtonnelstroy and Mr. S.A. Semenkov, Head Technician of Daltonnelstroy, the TBM operators.
The 3.53 metre diameter, LOVAT TBM configured with a rock cuttinghead and sporting 825 tonnes of thrust, bored through a geological profile comprised of, shale - containing biotite, feldspar and quartz with inclusions/seams and gneiss. Fracture zones along the alignment - contained clay and sand/loam. The machine installed a primary tunnel lining, made up of prefabricated reinforced concrete segments. The tunnel boring machine on its best month bored 410 metres.
In a congratulatory letter addressed to Mr. Rick P. Lovat, President and Chief Executive Officer of LOVAT, Mr. Alexander P. Golyshev, General Director of Bamtonnelstroy expressed his thanks, for the TBM, which he described as being a "high-quality machine, which was very reliable in service". Mr. Golyshev also expressed his sincere gratitude to the LOVAT specialists and personnel, for their constructive and positive approach in supporting the TBM, throughout the project.
Thank you Mr. Golyshev!
LOVAT
POLITECNICO DI TORINO INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS
November 26, 2004
On November 16-19, 2004, the Politecnico Di Torino (Dipartimento di Georisorse e Territorio) in association with the Italian Tunnelling Association (SIG) and Georesources and Environment Association (GEAM), hosted the "Master on Mechanized Tunnelling Graduating Ceremony" including the "International Congress on Mechanized Tunnelling: Challenging Case Histories."
The congress took place in the city of Turin, which testifies a millenarian history, enriched with numerous museums, and enlivened by enchanting architecture. Dr. Sebastiano Pelizza chaired the meeting, which was dedicated, in memory of, Prof. Lelio Stragiotti on the 40th anniversary of the foundation of GEAM.
On hand where many honoured guests, including our very own, Mr. Richard Lovat (Chairman) and Mr. Marco Giorelli (Vice President Sales & Marketing), including LOVAT's Italian Sales Representatives and Area Manager Mr. Antonio Del  Broccolo (Italy).
On Thursday, November 18, Mr. Marco Giorelli spoke at conference, on the design and manufacture of LOVAT tunnel boring machines, used on the North East Interceptor Sewer, tunnel project, in Los Angeles, California. Followed by Mr. Richard Lovat, who later closed the congress.
Mr. Lovat spoke on the need for specialized personnel, in the operation, maintenance of the tunnel boring machines and in tunnel management in general. As it stands, many tunnel boring machine users, do not have in-house personnel to manage the new and highly sophisticated machines and the market is not able to train a sufficient number of them. It has always been Mr. Lovat's conviction, that the ideal "training ground" be the project site itself. Perhaps, it would be advantageous to add, to the total value of the project; a sum dedicated to the training of new personnel, who can become specialized in the tunnel works. Unfortunately, formal education is not enough. In combination with, Mr. Lovat emphasised that "if it were possible, even only partially, to give new recruits an opportunity to learn the job, the advantage would benefit everybody".
NORTH EAST INTERCEPTOR SEWER (NEIS) "MIDDLE REACH"
November 19, 2004
 Congratulations are again, extended to the joint venture of Traylor/Shea/Frontier-Kemper/Kenny and to the City of Los Angeles, Board of Public Works. On Thursday, November 11, 2004 at 9:18 p.m., in the city of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., LOVAT TBM Model RME152SE Series 21000 broke through! The 152" (3.86m) diameter EPB TBM mined the Middle Reach tunnel, measuring 7,546 feet (2.3 km), beneath the densely developed area of north-east Los Angeles. The LOVAT TBM bored through predominantly three types of material, consisting of, weak claystone, weak sandstone, sand and silt. While mining in the sand and silt the TBM experienced earth pressures as high as (43.5 psi) 3.0 bar. The machine erected a precast segmental bolted and gasketed lining. Named "Groundhog", the TBMs performance rates for mining were - best day: 36 rings, best shift: 16 rings having a standard length of 4.5ft (1.372m) - with a best week of 627 feet (191m).
KIM CHUAN LINK SEWER BREAKTHROUGH
November 5 , 2004
 It was in January of 2003, when the LOVAT TBM was launched. The owner of the tunnelling project, The Public Utilities Board (PUB) of Singapore, awarded the contract of building the Kim Chuan Link Sewer Tunnel, to the Tiong Seng-Dong-A Consortium. The consortium (contractor) commissioned LOVAT, to supply components and engineering for the 3.28 metre LOVAT TBM, owned by Dong-A Geological Engineering Co. Ltd.
CONGRATULATIONS are extended to the Public Utilities Board and to the Tiong Seng-Dong-A Consortium.
LOVAT TBM Model RME129SE Series 14900 "broke through" in what is considered a major milestone, in the construction of Singapore's Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS). This signifies the completion of the first link between the existing sewer networks and the DTSS.
The LOVAT TBM bored 5.1 kilometres through mostly marine clay, erecting a tunnel lining, consisting of prefabricated reinforced concrete segments, configured as five segments plus one key segment (2.9m ID / 3.2m OD), entirely below the water table.
Known as the Kim Chuan Link Sewer and under Phase One of the DTSS project - the 5.1km pipeline is one of twelve link sewers that will serve the new sewerage system. They total 50km in length. Phase One of the construction of the DTSS, is scheduled for completion by 2008. The sewer, is the first constructed link sewer to have broken through into the deep tunnel that is being constructed. The sewer will eventually transfer sewage from three pumping stations at Paya Lebar, Ringwood and Tanjong Rhu into the deep tunnel, serving an area stretching from Paya Lebar to Marina South. The Kim Chuan Link Sewer will also have the capacity to take in used water from future developments in the area.
Speaking at the breakthrough ceremony on Thursday, October 28, 2004, Mr. Koo Tsai Kee, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and the Environment and Water Resources commented on the use of a tunnel boring machine. " The high-technology tunnel boring machine had been used to construct the Kim Chuan Link Sewer, this method was suitable as it obviated the need for numerous jackings along the 5.1km route, which is mainly along built-up areas. Disruption to residents in the vicinity of the construction was greatly minimized as a result."
METROPOLITANO DE LISBOA - PROLONGAMENTO DA LINHA VERMELHA ENTRE ALAMEDA E S. SEBASTIÃO
November 5 , 2004
 Since 1997, LOVAT's largest EPB TBM, Model ME386SE Series 15500, measuring 386 inches (9.8 metre) in diameter, has been a proud "resident" of Portugal. In fact, Portugal and the ground of Lisbon are nothing new to this veteran TBM.
The TBM was initially introduced to the City of Lisbon as "Estrela do Oriente" ("Eastern Star"), which was used by Metrexpo Ace in 1997, to excavate a tunnel linking the existing metro line to the 1998 Expo site in Lisbon.
After completing 2.1 kilometres, the owner of the TBM, Metropolitano de Lisboa contracted LOVAT to refurbish it for the new 2.5 km subway project in Lisbon. Following a thorough inspection, LOVAT began refurbishment of the TBM in September 1999 and completed the necessary work by May of 2000. The ME386SE was christened "Moira" and immediately began boring her way through the Portuguese ground.
Recently, LOVAT reported that, Somague, BPC, ENGIL, SPIE, SBES JV (ACE) were successful in winning the contract to construct the Metro Lisbon Red Line Extension. Consisting of 1,500 metres of tunnel and running east/west - the extension will connect with the existing Green, Yellow and Blue lines.
 Subsequently, LOVAT was contracted by ACE to refurbish the existing cuttinghead, also supplying and installing a new main bearing and sealing system, of the LOVAT tunnel boring machine. With the refurbishment complete, the ME386SE was christened "Varina", who last week, had begun her underground journey, starting from a 35 metre long "starting tunnel" at the Alameda station. "Varina" is currently boring and erecting a precast segmental bolted and gasketed lining.
The Metro Lisbon Red Line Extension, specifically involves the construction of the new Red Line stations of Saldanha ll and S.Sebastião ll, which are named the same as the existing stations on the (Saldanha) Yellow and (S.Sebastião) Blue lines.
The building of these stations, are considered to be an integral part of the Metropolitano De Lisboa's subway system, offering greater mobility to the city of Lisbon, by reducing the traffic flow substantially during peak traffic periods.
This construction also guarantees direct access from the centre of the city to the Oriente station (existing north end of the Red Line) with the future access to the Lisbon International Airport.
BRADSHAW CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION
October 29, 2004
"Cheryl B" - Bradshaw Construction's 2.58 m LOVAT Rock/Single Shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), completed tunnelling for Elizabethtown Water Company's 72 inch (1,830 mm) Eastern Transmission Main Reinforcement Project, in Middlesex, New Jersey. The TBM successfully negotiated a 366 m drive in shale from about 15 m below ground surface to only 5 m under the Raritan River. LOVAT TBM Model M99/103RL Series 11700 was refitted in early 2004 by LOVAT to expand its versatility to excavate and support rock in addition to the soft ground it was originally built for. LOVAT's modifications were centred on a new rock head that could be interchanged with the original soft ground head and dressed for a multitude of ground conditions. New electric motors were installed: a 300 HP drive motor and a 100 HP propulsion motor. The TBM was also skinned up from 2,515 mm to 2,578 mm. This more adaptable machine was fitted with a new rib expander, designed for the rapid expansion of round ribs, tight against the mined annulus, in soft ground or rock.
METRO LISBON
October 22, 2004
 The Somague, BPC, ENGIL, SPIE, SBES JV (ACE) have been successful in winning the contract to construct the Metro Lisbon Red Line Extension, 1,500 metres of tunnel, running east/west connecting with the existing Green, Yellow & Blue lines.
LOVAT were contracted by ACE to refurbish the existing cuttinghead from the RME386SE Series 15500 EPB Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), including the addition of disc cutters in the nose area to deal with the anticipated rock. LOVAT also supplied & installed a new main bearing & sealing system.
The work was carried out at the ACE workshop to the north of the city of Lisbon by a team of LOVAT welders and technicians, with local support.
Following completion of the works the TBM was transported downtown to be assembled at the Alameda launch shaft site. Commissioning & testing was recently carried out under LOVAT supervision. The TBM will commence mining 26 October 2004.
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING (ERP)
October 15, 2004
ERP - short for enterprise resource planning is a business management system that integrates all facets of a business, including planning, manufacturing, sales, and marketing. The broad set of activities supported by multi-module application software helps a manufacturer or other businesses manage the important parts of its business.
In an important move to improve operational performance, LOVAT's executive team has committed to implementing the ERP system, by taking advantage of the powerful computer technology. ERP has the capability of organizing projects, tracking deliverables, budgets, tasks, changes and other associated issues within a single integrated database. As the name suggests, the full "enterprise" is involved - everyone will be affected.
Recently, LOVAT's executive steering committee and project management team developed the strategic vision and operational performance goals for the ERP implementation. As the project moves through the implementation steps, the entire LOVAT team will be involved in process reengineering, system configuration, testing and training. ERP is only a tool and on its own cannot "do" anything. Success is assured by the contribution of the many skilled and experienced personnel here at LOVAT. The anticipated completion date of the entire project is summer 2005.
18th NATIONAL Tunnelling Association Of Canada (TAC) CONFERENCE
October 8, 2004
This year's 18th National TAC Conference took place on September 26-28, 2004 at The Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton's - West Edmonton Mall. The venue was in association with the North American Society for Trenchless Technology and the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Edmonton & Northern Alberta Section. Amongst the many companies exhibiting, there were also keynote speakers and a series of technical presentations covering a wide range of topics. Such as: Edmonton SLRT Project (presented by Walter Trisi - LOVAT), Italy Highway Tunnel Rehabilitation, Ontario Tunnelling Experience, Kingston Hydroelectric Project and New York Underground Projects. LOVAT would like to thank all those who visited us at TAC 2004 in Edmonton and look forward to seeing you at the upcoming conferences.
LOVAT DELIVERS TBM TO COLUMBUS, OHIO
October 1, 2004
 LOVAT delivers another TBM!
"Mary Margaret" - The LOVAT Earth Pressure Balance TBM Model RME193SE Series 21200, is en-route to the BWARI tunnel project site, located on the south side of Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
The contractor Jay Dee / Michels / Traylor J.V. selected LOVAT to design and manufacture the new tunnel boring machine specifically for the project.
The project is part of a series of improvement projects that will increase flow capacity for sewers conveying sewage from a large part of Columbus to the city's Southerly Wastewater Treatment plant. Part one of the project consists of approximately 4 miles (7km) approximately of 14ft (4.6m), diameter tunnel.
Here the LOVAT TBM is to bore through a geological profile comprised of two primary types of soil deposits characterised as glacial till and glacio fluvial outwash materials. Additional soil deposits of uniform fine sands and man-made fill may also be encountered. The RME193SE will be erecting a primary tunnel lining consisting of a bolted and gasketed, pre-cast concrete segments, configured as 5 pieces plus one key piece.
Delivery of the TBM was on September 30, 2004.
CONDOTTE - RMP167SE Series 21700
September 24 , 2004
SOCIETÀ ITALIANA PER CONDOTTE D'ACQUA S.p.A.
"The Oldest Construction Company in Italy" Founded on 7th April 1880…
On September 14, 2004 - Italy's oldest construction company, Società Italiana per Condotte d'Acqua S.p.A. of Rome, Italy, purchased a 4.24 metre LOVAT Rock/Single Shield Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
The project owner, Ente Irriguo Umbro-Toscano, awarded the contract to Condotte to construct the 2.5 kilometre (water diversion for irrigation) tunnel, known as the Galleria di Castellaccio (Adduzione Primaria alla Valdichiana, Stalcio II) tunnel project.
Boring through rock, the LOVAT TBM Model RMP167SE Series 21700 is to erect a "honeycomb" type tunnel lining, consisting of prefabricated reinforced concrete segments, having an outside diameter of 4.1 metres and an internal diameter of 3.6 metres.
One of the special design features of the LOVAT TBM is its ability to be assembled & disassembled internally within the tunnel. More specifically, the assembly and launch will be inside a tunnel chamber at the end of an existing tunnel. The TBMs disassembly will take place in a blind tunnel with no chamber, followed by the complete removal of the tunnel boring machine through the tunnel.
The arrival of the TBM on site is scheduled for the end of April 2005 (approximately).
LOVAT'S 17TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
September 17 , 2004
On Saturday, September 11, 2004 - LOVAT held its 17th Annual Golf Tournament at Hockley Valley Resort, located in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Hockley Valley is a world class resort situated on 300 acres of some of Ontario's most beautiful countryside.
Every year, the LOVAT Golf Tournament is open to all its employees and to the many special guests travelling locally and from abroad. The weather - "fabulous!" A shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. sharp, 24 teams descend into the plush greenery of Hockley Valley. Throughout the day, Hockley's professional and courteous staff attended to everyone's needs. Not to mention…they supplied a steady barrage of refreshments keeping everyone nice and cool!
After a challenging round of eighteen holes, everyone returned to the resort to freshen up and relax. Later, dinner was served in Hockley's elegant dining room. As in every LOVAT tournament, a special occasion is always marked with the celebration of Mr. Lovat's birthday, followed by an awards presentation. Of course the winner of this year's tournament was the "Dream Team" consisting of Mr. Richard Lovat, Mr. Ted Budd, Mr. Larry Relyea and Mr. Pat Cleary. Funny…they seem to win every year!
Special thanks are extended to LOVAT who has made the tournament possible over the years. With thanks also to, Hockley Valley Resort for their excellent service and facilities.
BREAKTHROUGH! 257 17900 - MILAN, ITALY
September 10 , 2004
 Congratulations to TORNO INTERNAZIONALE SPA & to the City of Milan, Italy. On Friday, September 10, 2004 - LOVAT's 6.54 metre diameter, refurbished tunnel boring machine Model RME257SE Series 17900, broke through - completing 1,036 metres. The LOVAT TBM broke through this morning (Milan time) erecting an impressive seven rings in 12 hours! As such, the RME257SE achieved a best production of 14 rings in 24 hours. In due time, the machine will be turned around to complete the remaining 1,064 metres (approx.). The "metro" sized tunnels have an outside diameter of 6.3 m, with an inside diameter of 5.7m - consisting of prefabricated concrete segments, configured as 5 segments plus 1 key segment.
LOVAT DELIVERS TBM TO SEVILLA, SPAIN
September 3 , 2004
"La Giralda" is on her way…!
 The LOVAT TBM Model RME238SE Series 21300 is currently at a Toronto Port and is en-route to the sunny city of Sevilla, Spain. The machine is scheduled to arrive in Sevilla by mid September 2004. LOVAT had announced in December 2003, that, U.T.E. Metro de Sevilla (Dragados, Sacyr, RuS, GEA 21, had signed a contract, purchasing the LOVAT EPB Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). LOVAT designed and fabricated the 238 inch (6.05) metre diameter TBM, which is to be used for the construction of two "twin" subway tunnels - Linea 1 Interurbana, Sevilla, Spain. Equipped with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) - the LOVAT RME238 is to tunnel approximately 4,600 metres, in total, through predominately soft ground, entirely beneath the water table. The machine will be installing a lining consisting of 1.4 metre long prefabricated reinforced concrete segments having an internal diameter of 5.3 metres with an external diameter of 5.8 metres.
18th NATIONAL TAC (Tunnelling Association Of Canada) CONFERENCE
August 27, 2004
LOVAT would like to extend an invitation - welcoming everyone to visit us at booth no's. 17 & 18, at this years 18th National TAC Conference, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The TAC Conference will take place on September 26-28, 2004 at Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton's - West Edmonton Mall. In association with the North American Society for Trenchless Technology and the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Edmonton & Northern Alberta Section.
In addition to the key note speakers, there will be a series of special presentations on Edmonton's South LRT Extension. This project, utilizing a 6.5m diameter LOVAT EPB tunnel boring machine, to connect the University station (depth 20m) to the ground surface at a 6% grade.
The project has unique challenges: tunnelling beneath a major utility tunnel with only 2.5m of cover, tunnelling under a car park with 6m cover and complex soil conditions that include 6m of clean fine sand.
FEE FEE TO ALAN SHEPARD, I-270 SANITARY RELIEF SEWER
August 20, 2004
The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District has awarded Affholder, Inc. the contract to construct the new Fee Fee to Alan Shepard, I-270 Sanitary Relief Sewer, tunnel project in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.
Affholder Inc., who is the current owner of a LOVAT Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Model RM77RL/PJ Series 6200, has commissioned LOVAT to supply new components for the TBM.
LOVAT will manufacture a new Rock/Mixed Face Cuttinghead, Forward Shell, new Main Drive and Rib Expander (to erect a three-piece rib set).
The LOVAT TBM is to bore through a geological profile consisting of: 1,100 foot section of fresh to slightly weathered limestone, with a UCS from 75 Mpa (10,850 psi) to 150 Mpa (22,000 psi). The remainder of the tunnel (approximately 6,900 feet) will be in mixed strata, mostly clay, clayey gravel, chert, and shale fragments. The majority of the tunnel is under the water table, however, water may not be encountered at the alignment level, due to the clay.
 BREAKTHROUGH! METRO MILAN EXTENSION
August 6, 2004
 Congratulations to TORNO INTERNAZIONALE SPA & to the City of Milan, Italy. On Tuesday, July 20, 2004 - LOVAT's 6.54 metre diameter, refurbished Tunnel Boring Machine, Model RME257SE Series 17900, broke through into the Pero Station completing 865 metres. The TBM had driven from Rho Fiera to Pero Stations. As such, the first tube of the twin tube section is almost complete. The extension will connect the currently under construction Rho Expo Center (Rho Fiera) to the Milan Public Transport System. The "metro" sized tunnels have an outside diameter of 6.3 m, with an inside diameter of 5.7m - consisting of prefabricated concrete segments, configured as 5 segments plus 1 key segment.
Another...LOVAT BREAKS THROUGH! - NORTH EAST INTERCEPTOR SEWER (NEIS) "UPPER REACH"
July 23, 2004
Congratulations are again, extended to the joint venture of Traylor/Shea/Frontier-Kemper/Kenny and to the City of Los Angeles, Board of Public Works. On Friday, July 16, 2004 at 4:15 p.m., in the city of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., LOVAT TBM Model RMP152SE Series 20900 broke through, ahead of schedule…on a tight schedule! The 152" (3.86m) diameter (ROCK) TBM mined the Upper Reach tunnel, measuring 10,830 ft (3.3 km), beneath the densely developed area of north-east Los Angeles. The LOVAT TBM bored through predominantly rock, erecting a precast segmental bolted and gasketed lining. Named "Diggermole", the TBMs best mining day was 29 rings, with a standard length of 4.5ft (1.372m).
OAK CREEK SOUTH INTERCEPTOR SEWER
July 16, 2004
On June 30, 2004 - Super Excavators of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, U.S.A., launched a LOVAT Micro Tunnel Boring Machine (MTBM) Model LOVAT MS40PJS.
The project, Oak Creek South Interceptor Sewer, MMSD Contract No. C02005C01 is located in the City of Oak Creek, an urban area south of Milwaukee. The owner of the project is the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.
Super Excavators purchased the 40 inch (1.0 metre) diameter slurry type MTBM, which will excavate 6,700 lineal feet of sewer tunnel. With an overburden of 25 to 46 feet below, the existing ground surface the MS40PJS is to jack 30 inch ID reinforced concrete jacking pipe.
The geology expected along the tunnel alignment generally consists of two primary types of soils consisting of, fill and alluvium over glacial deposits. The glacial deposits consist of predominately stiff to hard clay and silt with layers of sand and gravel. The groundwater table is above the entire alignment.
LOVAT BREAKS THROUGH! - NORTH EAST INTERCEPTOR SEWER (NEIS)
July 9, 2004
Congratulations are extended to the joint venture of Traylor/Shea/Frontier-Kemper/Kenny and to the City of Los Angeles, Board of Public Works.
On Thursday, July 1, 2004 - in the city of Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., LOVAT TBM Model RME152SE Series 20800 broke through completing 9,297 feet (2,834 metres) of mixed ground EPB tunnelling.
The 152" (3.86m) diameter Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBM, equipped with Variable Frequency Transmission Drives, mined the Lower Reach tunnel, beneath the densely developed area of north-east Los Angeles.
The LOVAT TBM bored through predominantly alluvial soils, below the water table, erecting a precast segmental bolted and gasketed lining.
Known as "YuYo Bunny", the TBMs best mining day was June 7, 2004 - erecting 31 rings. Traylor used segments with a standard length of 4.5ft (1.372m) and for curves, a custom length of 4.0ft (1.219m).
LOVAT HOSTS TAC BBQ
July 2, 2004
On Tuesday, June 29, 2004, the Tunnelling Association of Canada (TAC), held a meeting at the LOVAT facilities in Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada.
Representatives from Jay Dee - Michels - Traylor a joint venture, The City of Columbus, URS and Lachel & Associates were also on hand.
The event hosted by LOVAT - included a presentation and demonstration of the LOVAT TBM Model RME193SE Series 21200, followed by a BBQ dinner. The tunnel boring machine is currently being constructed for the B.W.A.R.I. (Big Walnut Augmentation Rickenbacher Interceptor) tunnel project in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
GALLERIA DI PONTE LADRONE - Rome, Italy
June 18 , 2004
Last month, construction began on a water tunnel project - Galleria di Ponte Ladrone - located in the suburbs of Rome, Italy. Italian contractor Monaco S.p.A. launched a LOVAT Tunnel Boring Machine Model M157SE. The 3.9 metre diameter TBM is to mine an initial drive of 528 metres of tunnel, erecting expanded concrete segments.
LOVAT BREAKS THROUGH! - NOVOSIBIRSK METRO
June 11 , 2004
Congratulations are extended to OAO "Bamtonnelstroy" and to the City of Novosibirsk.
On Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - in the city of Novosibirsk, Russia, LOVAT TBM Model RME232SE Series 14700 broke through completing 441 metres of tunnelling. Coincidentally, this day marked the 25th anniversary of the Metro construction in Novosibirsk. It was a celebratory breakthrough indeed! The Mayor of Novosibirsk, Mr. Vladimir Gorodezky was also on hand to witness the commemorative breakthrough.
The tunnelboring machine mined the left tunnel breaking through into metro station "Berezovaya Roscha". The drive was between metro stations "Marshal Pokrushkin" & "Berezovaya Roscha". Early next month, mining of the right tunnel will begin, consisting of 564 metres.
BREAKTHROUGH IN ANKARA, TURKEY
June 04 , 2004
Congratulations are extended to Guris Insaat ve Muhendislik AS and to the Ankara Municipality. On May 26, 2004 - LOVAT TBM M232SE Series 11000 broke through into the National Library Station, having completed (1,207 rings @ 1.2m long) 1,448 metres. The TBM named "Nenehatun" - is owned by Guris Insaat ve Muhendislik AS, who launched the 5.89 metre TBM back in January 2004. The machine is to bore 8,600 metres of tunnel on the Ankara Metro Sogutozu-Kizilay section.
BABY CREEK CSO TUNNEL PROJECT
May 28, 2004
 Jay Dee Contractors of Livonia, Michigan, U.S.A. is to begin construction on the Baby Creek CSO tunnel project next month. The owner of the project Detroit Water & Sewage Department awarded the contract to Jay Dee Contractors, which will require the use of a LOVAT Tunnel Boring Machine. The TBM, LOVAT Model M126RL/PJ Series 8500 - will be required to tunnel 330 feet, mining beneath an active railroad line, jacking 124 inch diameter steel casing. Operating in semi-closed and closed excavation modes, the tunnel boring machine is expected to bore through mixed ground with boulders.
METRO KAZAN
"KATYUSHA" - LOVAT Tunnel Boring Machine RME232SE Series 14600 is back at work and in the City of Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, Russia.
This TBM is no stranger to the underground; it recently completed boring "twin" 1.7 kilometre long tunnels, for her owner ENGEOCOM of Moscow, on the Mini Metro tunnel project in Moscow.
ENGEOCOM is now using the refurbished 5.89 metre diameter TBM, to bore 1,896 metres of metro tunnel, for the Kazan Metro tunnel project. The TBM is to tunnel from station "Sukonnaya sloboda" to the station of "Ametievo"
The TBM currently finds herself to the left and along side her sister "SYUYUMBIKE" LOVAT TBM RME226SE Series 17500.
To-date, "KATYUSHA" has excavated, erecting approximately 240 metres of tunnel and is expected to encounter; soft grounds - sands, water saturated sands, and layers of clay, along the alignment.
May 7, 2004
PROLUNGAMENTO DELLA METROPOLITANA MILANESE DA MOLINO DORINO A RHO FIERA
LOVAT's 6.54 metre diameter - refurbished Tunnel Boring Machine, Model RME257SE Series 17900, breaks through into the ventilation shaft (right after the highway A4 Torino-Venezia at ring No. 255/357 metres), in Milano, Italy. The total length of the "Prolungamento della Metropolitana Milanese da Molino Dorino a Rho Fiera" tunnel project is 2,100 metres.
Upon completion of the first 1,050 metres, the TBM will be required to do an additional length of 1,050 metres (twin tube tunnel design). The "metro" sized tunnels will have an outside diameter of 6.3 m, with an inside diameter of 5.7m - comprised of prefabricated concrete segments, configured as 5 segments plus 1 key segment. The current geology consists of mixed strata consisting of sand, gravel and cobbles. The working pressure is 2.5/3 bar.
April 30, 2004
LOVAT LAUNCHES TBM IN SINGAPORE
Downer Engineering has launched a refurbished 6.15 metre diameter LOVAT Tunnel Boring Machine, Model RMP242SE Series 18500, for the Singapore Cable Tunnel Contract C302 - West Coast Park Vent Shaft to Labrador Vent Shaft, tunnel project.
The RMP242SE will negotiate multiple 130 metre radius curves, tunneling a total length of 2.65 km and installing a prefabricated reinforced concrete, segmental lining, consisting of 5 segments and 1 key segment. The lining will have an outside diameter of 5.9m; an inside diameter of 5.4m and each ring is 1.2m in length.
As of early this week, the TBM has installed ten rings and segment erection times are well within contract specifications.
The tunnel alignment is generally from northwest to southeast. The bored tunnel begins at the Harbour Drive Equipment Building and ends at the Labrador Ventilation Shaft. (Tunnel section from West Coast Park Vent Shaft to Harbour Drive Equipment Building is cut and cover.) It will be constructed through the Jurong Formation as well as recent alluvial deposits. The Jurong Formation consists of sandstone, mudstone and siltstone with varying degrees of weathering.
The entire tunnel alignment is being constructed beneath the ground water table. The ground water in the area of the tunnel is typically at or about elevation 101m. The tunnel invert elevation varies from a height of 81m to a low of 63m. This allows for a maximum ground water pressure above invert of up to 3.7 bar.
April 23, 2004
BAUMA 2004 - MUNICH, GERMANY
LOVAT in BAUMA+MINING 2004...Hall: C3 Booth: 309
BAUMA continues to be the world's most important trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, construction vehicles, construction equipment and mining machines. This all takes place on an on a gross area of 495,000 sq. m. Consider the following statistics - 2,801 exhibitors (2,341 in 2001) 52 % of exhibitors are from foreign countries 48 countries represented with exhibits (6 more than in 2001) and approximately 410,000 visitors. The next BAUMA+ MINING will be held in Munich from April 23 – 29, 2007
LOVAT would like to thank all those who visited us in BAUMA and look forward to seeing you at the North American Tunneling Conference & Exposition (NAT) 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. April 19 - 21, 2004 Booths: 402/404 and at ITA-AITES 2004 World Tunnel Congress & 30th ITA General Assembly Singapore, 22 -27 May, 2004.
April 16, 2004
HOPKINS AVE RELIEF SEWER - MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN
Michels Pipeline is currently using a LOVAT M104PJ Series 11200 TBM, to install 2,514 feet of 84 inch ID, reinforced concrete pipe, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The total tunnel length is 2,843, which includes a 329 foot "open-cut" portion.
Contracted by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer District (MMSD), Michels is to complete the five sewer drives, boring through primarily stiff clay with infrequent boulders.
April 9, 2004
INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT SEWER TUNNEL
LOVAT TBM M142 Series 6100…"built tough and still going strong after 20 years!"
Originally manufactured in 1984 - the LOVAT TBM is boring through the varying soil conditions of Evansville, Indiana, U.S.A.
The Indiana Department of Transportation awarded Affholder, Inc. the contract to construct the new eight foot diameter sewer tunnel. The LOVAT M142 is presently mining the new 4,800 foot long tunnel, 40 feet beneath Highway 66, a four-lane state highway that passes through Evansville.
A 96 inch diameter carrier pipe to be installed in the tunnel will eventually transport sewage from an adjacent pump station to a yet-to-be-constructed extension to the city's sewer system.
It is estimated it will take two 15-person Affholder work crews and the 142 inch diameter tunnel boring machine about seven months (two shifts a day, boring approximately 100 feet of earth each day) to bore the tunnel. The Geology consists of wet silty sand and soft clay.
The entire project, which includes two access shafts, is scheduled for completion by July 2004. "Given the depth of the line and its location beneath a busy four-lane highway, it would have been very disruptive to install this sewer pipe using conventional excavation methods," says Ross Webb, project manager for Affholder. "Boring a tunnel will create much less disruption to the road traffic."
April 2, 2004
EDMONTON'S SOUTH LRT EXTENSION
CONGRATULATIONS to Aecon-McNally, a joint venture.
The LOVAT TBM Model RME257SE Series 18000 - reached the station wall on Friday March 12, 2004. On Saturday morning the steel piles within the headwall were cut away and at 10am, in front of a crowd of city personnel and press, the TBM broke through!
The machine came though 5mm right of line and dead on for the planned grade, completing both tunnels for Edmonton's South LRT Extension. The tunnelling was very successful with good progress (6m per day), with excellent settlement control, all under 10mm.
Exceptional alignment control, via the TACS laser system, allowed the TBM to negotiate the 250m radius curve down a 6% grade.
Overall, the machine performed extremely well through the drive despite some days with temperatures down to 40 degrees Celsius below freezing.
Accolades were received from the managing consultant, city personnel and members of the university, whose land, the removal shaft was on.
March 26, 2004
72" EASTERN TRANSMISSION REINFORCEMENTS - PHASE 2, TUNNEL PROJECT
In late 2003, Bradshaw Construction contracted LOVAT to refurbish their LOVAT TBM Model M99RL Series 11700. The refurbishment program required LOVAT to manufacture and supply a new rock cuttinghead, forward shell, transmission and other key components.
The TBM now designated as an RM99/102RL, and named "Cheryl B." was shipped on March 2, 2004, to Elizabethtown, New Jersey U.S.A. and is currently being commissioned on site.
The owner of the project, Elizabethtown Water Company (EWC) seeks to improve its water supply system. As such, they are implementing the Eastern Transmission Reinforcements, which involves the extension of a 72 inch transmission main, from South Bound Brook to Middlesex Borough. This includes crossings of the Delaware and Raritan River. To facilitate tunnel access, two shafts will be constructed.
The LOVAT TBM will be boring 1,241 feet of tunnel, through bedrock, consisting of siltstones and shales. Containing sandy mudstone, sandstone and conglomerates with clasts of quartzite or limestone.
March 19, 2004
BREAKTHROUGH! Tunel Canal Nacional - Canal de Chalco de L4 a L4A - Mexico City
Congratulations are extended to Microtunel SA de CV and Sistema de Aguas de la Ciudad de Mexico.
Microtunel SA de CV using a LOVAT 114 inch (2.90 metre) diameter pipejacking tunnel boring machine, broke through in Mexico City - on the Tunel Canal Nacional - Canal de Chalco de L4 a L4A, project.
The project has a total length of 1,140 metres, divided into five drives.
As of mid February, the TBM has completed three of the five drives, the longest drive being 270 metres. The two remaining drives measure 180 metres and 178 metres in length, respectively.
The LOVAT M114PJ Series 2600 TBM is boring through soft clay and saturated sand layers, at an average depth of 13 metres.
The TBMs average production rates have been 30 metres per day, with a best day of 52.5 metres.
The production rates have been achieved with the on-going support and assistance of LOVAT.
Felicitamos a Microtunel SA de CV y al Sistema de Aguas de la Ciudad de México.
Microtunel SA de CV utilizando una tuneladora (TBM) LOVAT de hincado de tuberias de 114 pulgadas (2.90 metros) de diámetro salió a la superficie en la Ciudad de Méxic, completando así otra sección del Proyecto del Tunel Canal Nacional - Canal de Chalco de L4 a L4A.
El proyecto tiene una longitud total de 1.140 metros, dividido en cinco tramos.
Para mediados de Febrero la TBM habia ya completado tres de los cinco tramos, siendo el tunel mas largo de 270 metros. Los tramos aún pendientes por ser excavados miden 180 metros y 178 metros respectivamente.
La TBM LOVAT M114PJ Serie 2600 está excavando terrenos de arcilla suave y capas de arenas saturadas, a una profundidad promedio de 13 metros.
El rendimiento promedio de la TBM ha sido 30 metros por día, siendo el mejor día de 52.5 metros.
Estos rendimientos han sido alcanzados con el soporte y la asistencia de LOVAT.
March 12, 2004
BREAKTHROUGH! CTRL Contract 250 - London, England
Congratulations are extended to the Edmund Nuttall Ltd/Wayss & Freytag/Kier JV, Rail Link Engineering and Union Railways on the successful completion of the tunnel drives on Contract 250, part of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link high speed railway in London, UK.
On 24th February 2004 the 8.14 metre diameter LOVAT TBM RMP320SE Series 20400 - named Maysam by local schoolchildren - broke through into the Up line reception shaft at Barrington Road in east London, 5.3km from her starting point in Dagenham. Previously, on 21st February, Maysam's sister TBM Judy, driving the parallel Down line tunnel, had completed her approach to the Down line reception shaft, but had parked awaiting space in the shaft to become available, enabling Maysam to overtake and complete her breakthrough first.
The 'Twin Tube' tunnels passed under numerous structures and for a long section were directly beneath London Underground and Network Rail lines. The tunnelling was completed without interference with any of the surface structures.
The Channel Tunnel Rail Link is the UK's first high-speed railway and connects the Channel Tunnel with central London. Section 1 of the line opened through Kent in September 2003, and Section 2, into London, will open in 2007. Section 2 includes 19km of twin tunnels beneath east London, of which Contract 250 forms part.
February 24, 2004
LOVAT M232SE Series 11100, Launching Ceremonies, Turkey.
 Ankara Turkey- Guris Insaat ve Muhendislik AS, launched a LOVAT TBM M232SE Series 11100.
The official ceremony took place on January 2, 2004, before the Minister of Transportation Mr. Binali Yildirim, the Mayor of Ankara Mr. I. Melih Gokcek, and many honoured guests and visitors.
The 5.89 metre tunnel boring machine is to bore and erect 8,600 metres of tunnel, on the Ankara Metro Sogutozu-Kizilay section.
The TBM known as Nene Hatun, acquires its name from a Turkish woman who is considered a hero, and an important figure in Turkish history - having fought the Turkish war of 1877. She in fact was chosen mother of the year in 1955.
January 30, 2004
LOVAT sells new TBM to UTE METRO DE SEVILLA
[Toronto, Ontario] On December 22, 2003, Sacyr, Dragados, GEA 21, Rus JV, known as UTE METRO DE SEVILLA, signed a contract for the purchase of a new LOVAT EPB Tunnel Boring Machine.
LOVAT will design and fabricate the 238 inch (6.05) metre diameter TBM, which is to be used for the construction of two "twin" subway tunnels in regards to the Linea 1 Interurbana Del Metro De Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.
Equipped with Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) - the LOVAT RME238 is to tunnel approximately 4,600 metres, in total, through predominately soft ground, entirely beneath the water table. The machine will be installing a lining consisting of 1.4 metre long prefabricated reinforced concrete segments having an internal diameter of 5.3 metres with an external diameter of 5.8 metres.
Likewise, for future work - the TBM will be capable of operating in Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) mode. By the use of back loading tools, the TBMs cuttinghead will be converted to a mixed face configuration.
Delivery of the machine is scheduled for August 2004, LOVAT plant Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
This latest sale adds to the many machines delivered to Spain - "reaffirming the contractors confidence in LOVAT's tunnelling technology"
January 5, 2004
InfoTech '03 - Information & Technology Seminar
 On October 23 & 24, 2003 – LOVAT hosted its first annual "Info Tech '03." An Information & Technology Seminar/Open House - for LOVAT Team Members worldwide. LOVAT extended invitations to all its Sales Representati
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