How is a vertical shaft for subway works executed?

The execution is planned according to geotechnics, depth and water table. It usually includes phased excavation, shoring or shoring, water control (pumping/draining if applicable), safe access, and preparation of the slab or work zone for lifting and equipment operation.

What types of vertical wells are used in civil works and trenchless technologies?

In civil works, different solutions are used depending on conditions: shored shafts and shafts with adapted support systems (depending on soil and water). The final configuration is defined by diameter, depth, loads, logistics and safety requirements.

What machinery and equipment are used in the construction of vertical wells?

The machinery depends on the support solution and the terrain: excavation equipment, lifting systems, water control pumps and auxiliary safety equipment. In attack/reception wells, platforms and supports are added for equipment assembly and pipe handling.

Vertical Wells

Q: What are vertical wells and what are they used for?

Vertical shafts are vertical excavations that allow access to the subsoil to execute and operate subway works. In trenchless technologies, they are used as attack and reception shafts to assemble equipment, manage excavation logistics and install pipelines with safety and control.

Q: In what soil conditions can vertical wells be constructed?

They can be constructed in a wide range of soils, but the design of the shoring and water management vary greatly. Geotechnics, the presence of water tables, permeability and the urban environment determine the method, shoring and safety measures.

Q: What is the difference between a drilled well and a driven well?

The term may be used differently depending on the context. In civil engineering, a “drilled” shaft is usually associated with execution by excavation with drilling/excavation equipment; a “driven” shaft relates to placement of elements (e.g., pipe or casing) by push/drill. The appropriate solution depends on geotechnics, diameter, depth and logistics.

Vertical Wells: Groundwater Extraction

The vertical wells allow access to groundwater through precise and safe drilling, without the need for open excavations. They are key in water supply projects, sewage networks, hydraulic works and mining.

At Eurohinca we execute wells with specialized machinery, adapted to the depth and conditions of the terrain. We guarantee stable flow rates, structural safety and complete traceability of the process.

These shafts can also serve as auxiliary accesses in subway works that combine vertical and vertical drilling. pipe ramming lining, or as attack wells for microtunnel.

Types of vertical shafts and construction of vertical tunnels

e work with two main systems:

Drilled wellsby rotopercussion or directional drilling with temporary sleeves.
Driven wellsTrenchless technique for unstable ground or large diameter wells.

Both solutions allow for the installation of structural pipes, pumping or ventilation systems, and connection to subway infrastructures by means of EPB tunnel boring machine o segment tunnel.

These works follow the requirements of the UNE 103801:2007, Technical standard for groundwater abstraction by means of boreholes and extraction wells.

Vertical well service specifications

Vertical shafts are essential elements in pipe jacking, microtunneling, Direct Pipe and mechanized tunneling projects. Their design and execution depend on a series of technical parameters and civil work conditioning factors that determine the safety, functionality and feasibility of the project. The main characteristics of this service are summarized below:

• Main applications: Attack and reception wells for pipe jacking, wells for recovery or launching of shields, intermediate wells for auxiliary equipment, ventilation, pumping or connection with collectors and subway services.

• Well dimensions: They are defined according to the diameter of the TBM or pipe to be installed, the thrust system, the necessary machinery and the minimum operating radii. The geometry can be circular or rectangular depending on the method of support.

• Depth of the well: Determined by the height of the projected tunnel or pipeline, the water table and the minimum coverages required by regulations and safety criteria.

• Compatible land conditions: Cohesive, mixed or stabilized granular soils. The presence of water table may require control techniques such as special shoring, screens, sheet piles, secant wells or temporary pumping systems.

• Usual construction methods: Excavation with progressive shoring, concrete screens, prefabricated rings, sheet piles or combined systems, depending on the terrain, diameter and intended use of the shaft.

• Security and access requirements: Sufficient space for cranes, lifting equipment, piping maneuvers or shields, ventilation and atmosphere control systems, anchorage points and safe access for personnel and machinery.

• Associated auxiliary equipment: Area for slurry plant, pumps, electrical panels, lubrication systems, debris extraction line or transport of liner, depending on the construction method used downstream of the well.

• Quality control and verification: Review of the condition of the support, verticality control, periodic inspections of the bottom of the shaft, verification of elevations and alignments, in addition to compliance with the HSE protocols defined for confined spaces.

What they think of us

Engineering firms, construction companies and water utilities appreciate the reliability and adaptability of our vertical solutions, even in complex terrain or sensitive urban environments.

International Experience

Projects around the world

Eurohinca has executed more than 105 km of subway infrastructure, including vertical shafts for water extraction, tunnel ventilation and technical access.
We operate in Europe, America and Asia under local and international regulations.

Discover our most outstanding works.

Vertical wells: quick response

What are vertical wells?

The vertical wells are vertical excavations used to access the subsoil and execute work associated with pipelines and tunnels (e.g. as start/finish, connection or intervention points), especially when work is required without opening a continuous trench on the surface. In crossing projects, they can be related to infrastructure crossings.

When are vertical wells used?

They are used when the project requires an access, assembly or connection point in a subway layout, or when the environment imposes restrictions that make it more viable to concentrate the intervention in localized points. They are usually associated with trenchless solutions such as pipe ramming o microtunnel.

Key data

Approximate location and objective of the well (access, connection, start/end of section, etc.).
Sketch or site plan with known restrictions (access, occupancy, traffic).
Interferences and known existing services in the area.

Recommended information

Information on available land (if any) and any nearby references.
Requirements of the owner/operator or administration (if applicable).
If the well is linked to a downstream crossing, it can provide context. river and watercourse crossings.

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Vertical drilling and intake works technology

Explore articles on well design, trenchless drilling, specialized machinery and real-life examples.
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Frequently asked questions about vertical wells

Vertical wells allow drilling vertically into deep layers of the ground, with minimal surface disturbance. They are key in hydraulic works and are frequently combined with techniques such as the microtunnel or the pipe ramming, according to the objective of the project.

Consultation our frequently asked questions section.

What are vertical wells and what are they used for?

Vertical wells are boreholes drilled with specialized machinery, designed primarily for groundwater extraction. These wells allow access to water resources located at great depth, being essential in water management and irrigation projects.

How is the drilling of a vertical well performed?

The drilling of a vertical well is carried out through the different strata of the subsoil until the desired depth is reached. During the process, an interior space is left free where a final pipe is placed to ensure a constant flow of water from the depths to the surface.

What are the different types of vertical wells?

There are mainly two types of vertical wells: drilled wells and driven wells. Boreholes are drilled with specialized bits that are selected according to the hardness of the ground, while driven wells involve deforming the ground to insert a perforated pipe with a pointed end.

What machinery is used in the construction of vertical wells?

In the construction of vertical wells, specialized drills are used that can be adapted to the characteristics of the terrain. The choice of machinery and drill bits depends on the hardness of the rocks and other geological factors identified during the preliminary investigation phase.

In what soil conditions can vertical wells be constructed?

Vertical wells can be constructed in a variety of ground conditions, from soft to rocky soils. The drilling technique and well type (drilled or driven) are chosen based on the specific soil characteristics, ensuring a successful and durable installation.

What is the difference between a drilled well and a driven well?

The main difference lies in the method of execution. A drilled shaft is made using bits that drill the ground according to its hardness, while a driven shaft involves the insertion of a pipe by deforming the ground and directly sinking a perforated pipe with a sharp point. Both methods are chosen depending on the type of ground and the objective of the project.