Logistics in a work WITHOUT trench is organized by defining in advance the location of shafts, accesses, stockpiles, cranes, pipe transport, auxiliary equipment, sludge or excavated material management, power supply, water, pumping, safety and internal circulation. Correct planning avoids stoppages, reduces environmental impact and improves the performance of the jacking or microtunnel.
In projects of pipe ramming, microtunneling in terrestrial and subway applications, horizontal directional drilling o Direct Pipe, logistics is not a secondary aspect: it conditions time, cost, safety, surface occupation and feasibility of execution.
Main elements of logistics
Pipelines and stockpiles:
The reception, unloading, inspection, storage and progressive supply of pipes to the attack shaft is planned. Pipe length, weight, diameter, maneuvering radii, lifting capacity, joint protection and available space must be taken into account.
Attack and reception wells:
The vertical pits for driving and microtunneling concentrate a large part of the operation. The shaft must allow the installation of the thrust frame, the insertion of pipes, the location of hydraulic equipment, the control of guidance, the management of material extraction and the maintenance of safe accesses.
Machinery and auxiliary equipment:
Cranes, lifting equipment, generators, pumps, compressors, hydraulic units, guiding systems, ventilation, lighting, cabins, electrical panels, welding or assembly equipment and internal transportation means are organized.
Sludge, water and excavated material:
Depending on the excavation system, the material can be extracted as soil, spoil, soil-water mixture or slurry. On sites with hydro-shield for water-logged terrain a separation plant, ponds, containers, pumping, auxiliary pipelines and specific environmental management may be required.
Site access and circulation:
Entry and exit routes for trucks, loading and unloading zones, turning radii, schedules, signage, pedestrian routes, compatibility with urban traffic and emergency access are defined. This is especially important in infrastructure crossings or urban areas with limited occupancy.
Safety, environment and work order:
Logistics must integrate fencing, lighting, work platforms, collective protections, waste management, spill control, road cleaning, dust and noise reduction, safe storage and coordination of business activities.
How to plan before starting the work
Before mobilizing equipment, the implementation plant, available dimensions, location of wells, accesses, interferences, affected services, hourly restrictions, occupancy permits, crane capacity, stockpile areas, electrical supply and water or pumping needs are reviewed.
The sequence of work is also defined: arrival of the TBM, assembly, testing, start of driving, supply of pipes, extraction or treatment of the excavated material, equipment maintenance, quality control and final removal.
Factors that most condition logistics
The most relevant factors are:
- Diameter, length and weight of pipes.
- Depth and dimensions of the wells.
- Surface space available.
- Access for special transportation.
- Type of tunnel boring machine and excavation system.
- Volume and type of material excavated.
- Need for sludge plant or separation.
- Traffic, noise or time restrictions.
- Existing services and permitted occupancies.
- Environmental or urban conditions.
- Sequence of supply and expected progress.
The choice of tunnel boring machine also has a direct influence: an EPB TBM, a hydroshield, an open shield or an HDD solution may require different deployments and logistical flows.
Logistical mistakes to avoid
Insufficient logistics can cause delays, crane waits, lack of pipelines at the front, poorly sized stockpiles, interference with traffic, sludge saturation, pumping problems, unsafe access or stoppages due to lack of power, water or operating space.
Therefore, in trenchless construction, logistics should be defined together with the construction method, not after. The design of shafts, the supply sequence, the management of excavated material and access should be part of the initial technical review.
Minimum logistics checklist for trenchless construction site: plant implementation, location of wells, accesses, cranes, pipe stockpiles, turning radii, power supply, water, pumping, material extraction, sludge management, occupancy permits, time restrictions, affected services, safety, waste and emergency plan.
Request a technical review of implementation and logistics for trenchless construction sites before mobilizing equipment or closing the work plan.
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