Method and apparatus for forming tunnels for transport routes
OwnerJames Crawford Thomsoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming a tunnel structure at a relatively shallow depth from the surface, which tunnel can be used as a replacement or additional transport route to an existing transport route (2) which is already formed on the surface. The method comprises the steps of forming two spaced apart access tunnels (hatched portion) to expose the tracks, introducing units (22) comprising side walls portions (26, 28) and a roof section (30) by moving the units along the tracks while excavating the soil in which the tunnel is to be formed is in advance of the leading edge of the units.
Claims14
A method of forming a tunnel structure which once formed includes a new transport route for use instead of, or in addition to, an existing transport route, said method comprising the steps of forming at least two parallel spaced apart access tunnels along a length which the tunnel structure is to be formed, forming at least one guide surface along each of the access tunnels, introducing a plurality of units from at least one end of the said length and successively sliding the said units along the said at least one guide surface of said access tunnels, said units successively introduced and moved along a linear path as the material in which the tunnel structure is to be formed is excavated in advance of the leading one of the said units with respect to the direction of movement of the units, until the required length of tunnel structure is formed and the path along which the tunnel structure is formed is located under said existing transport route and the said path is substantially parallel with the said existing transport route with a first access ramp formed at a first end of the said tunnel structure and a second access ramp formed at a second end of the said tunnel structure to link the respective ends of the said new transport route formed in the said tunnel structure to the existing transport route and allow the passage of trains or vehicles from the existing transport route along the said new transport route through the tunnel structure once formed and said tunnel structure lies at a depth under the said surface on which the existing transport route is formed in the range of 2-10 meters.
A tunnel structure including a plurality of units, at least two spaced access tunnels including a track along which successive units are slid into position and supported thereby, wherein said units and access tunnels, in combination, form at least part of the side walls and roof of the tunnel structure and a plurality of piles depend downwardly from, and are spaced along, the access tunnels and said tunnel structure is formed under and in parallel with an existing transport route so as to provide, once the said tunnel structure is formed, a new transport route therealong for use in addition, or alternatively, to the said existing transport route, wherein a portion or portions of the existing transport route at one end of the tunnel structure are used as a means for approach to access a first end of the said new transport route in the tunnel structure via a first access ramp formed at a first end of the said tunnel structure and a second access ramp located at a second end of the said tunnel structure is provided to allow an opposing end of the new transport route in the tunnel structure to be linked to the existing transport route and allow the passage of trains or vehicles from the existing transport route along the new transport route through the tunnel structure and wherein said tunnel structure lies at a depth under the said surface on which the existing transport route is formed, in the range of 2-10 meters.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.