Shield tunneling method and assembling and disassembling apparatus for use in practicing the method

Apparatus for assembling and disassembling a plurality of joined tubular units each having inner forms and outer forms which are to be used in constructing a tunnel in a hole drilled in the ground using a shield, such that the inner and outer forms are assembled to define an annular concrete lining space and after which the inner forms are disassemblable and reuseable, said apparatus comprising:

• (a) guiding means mounted to the inner forms of the tubular units;
• (b) an assembling erector for assembling the inner forms and outer forms, circumferentially in the hole, into a tubular unit just behind the shield, the assembling erector including,
• first supporting means,
• first holding means for releasably holding the first supporting means to the inner forms of the tubular units,
• first moving means, mounted to the first supporting means, for moving the first supporting means with the guiding means, and
• transporting means, supported on the first supporting means, for transporting each of the inner forms and the outer forms to a position on a wall of the hole;
• and
• (c) a disassembling erector for disassembling the inner forms of the tubular units, located behind a predetermined length of the tubular units, the disassembling erector including,
• second supporting means,
• second holding means for releasably holding the second supporting means to the inner forms of the tubular units,
• second moving means, mounted to the second supporting means, for moving the second supporting means with the guiding means, and
• separating means, supported on the second supporting means, for separating inner forms of the tubular units, located behind the predetermined length of the tubular units, from the associated outer forms.