Mexico's Largest EPB to be supplied by Robbins

Oct 20, 2008

A new 10.2 m (33.5 ft) diameter Robbins Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPBM) is planned to tunnel directly underneath urban areas for Mexico City Metro’s Line 12. The machine will be the largest diameter TBM ever to bore in Mexico.

Robbins signed the contract with the ICA consortium (consisting of Empresas ICA, Cicsa, and Alstom SA) on July 29th, 2008 for the machine, back-up system, and cutting tools. The machine will be designed and built by Robbins in both U.S. and Chinese facilities. Launch of the EPBM is scheduled for Autumn 2009, and the new line should be operational by the end of 2011.

The machine will excavate a 6.2 km (3.85 mi) long tunnel between Mexicaltzingo and Mixcoac areas in clay and sand, with boulders predicted up to 800 mm (30 inches) in diameter. A specially designed, 1,200 mm (4 ft) diameter two-stage, ribbon-type screw conveyor will ensure efficient removal of the large boulders.

The machine will feature active articulation, which will be utilized for smooth driving around curves, including a tight section with a planned radius of 250 m (820 ft). The active articulation process will prevent deformation of the segment rings on the curved portions of tunnel.

In 2007, the Mexican Federal District announced plans to build Line 12 of the Mexico City Metro--an entirely underground, 24 km (15 mi) long line with service to 22 stations in the southern area of the city. The Mexico City metro is one of the world’s largest, with over 200 km (125 mi) of rail and nearly 4 million daily passengers.


Kontakt:
The Robbins Company
Brianna Home
29100 Hall Street
Solon, OH 44139
USA
Tel.: 253.872.4484
E-Mail: homeb@robbinstbm.com
Internet: www.robbinstbm.com

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44139 Solon, OH. USA

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+1 440 248 3303

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