TBM Arrival at Woolwich Station Box
Following the completion of the below ground Station Box structure and hand over to Crossrail ahead of the programme in February/March 2013, a significant milestone was achieved by arrival of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named Sophia on 21st May 2013.
Since hand over, Hochtief Murphy Joint Venture on behalf of Crossrail completed the reception frame assembly within the eastern end of the Woolwich Box. The reception frame is approximately 8 metres in diameter and consists of 60 tonnes of steelwork. It is filled with 100 cubic metres of clay pellets and water which is pressurised to counterbalance the TBM slurry support pressure upon break through.
The TBM reception consists of several phases from initial contact through a period of decompression, after which the frame will be removed and TBM pulled through whilst completing construction of the final tunnel rings to the Box opening.
Construction of the residential development over and adjacent to the Station Box consisting of six buildings up to twenty two stories is progressing on site. Waterman have been responsible for the structural design of the residential development below the podium level.
