Recognising Crossrail groundwater innovation 15 Oct 2014

Innovative use of groundwater for TBM processes has helped earn the Hochtief/Murphy Joint Venture (HMJV) a presitigious Crossrail Sustainability Award.

HMJV team recognised for sustainability practice

The judges praised the process devised by HMJV Environmental Manager Phil Bailey, which involved using surplus groundwater from the dewatering system for tunnelling operations of Bentonite slurry and grout mixing. The successful application saved over two million litres of potable water per week during excavation of the 2,600m long twin running tunnels under the River Thames between Plumstead and Woolwich. The process also reduced the project’s total carbon emissions by 23 tonne and saved approximately £100,000 in water supply costs. Bailey was also singled out for his proactive role in sourcing ultra-efficient plant and equipment, including the hire of hybrid lighting towers across the entire Crossrail Thames Tunnel C310 project, which offered greater fuel efficiency and fewer carbon emissions than standard lighting tower models.

The judges praised HMJV and some of its individual team members for going ‘beyond standard practice’ in sustainability performance and helping to deliver Crossrail’s sustainability agenda. HMJV Plant Administrator Paul Williams won the Sustainability Champion Award, while Lydia Lacy Scott and Cheryl Pitt received special commendations for Environmental Engagement and Work Placement, and Job Brokerage respectively.

TBM Sophia launches for C310 River Thames crossing

“The challenge across the whole of the Crossrail project is to deliver it responsibly and sustainably, with minimum environmental impact. All credit goes to the HMJV team and its innovative thinking throughout this complex project, which has allowed us to deliver it safely and sustainably and share best practice,” said HMJV Project Director Riku Tauriainen. “We’ve introduced a host of key innovations that drive cost-effective and leading-edge solutions for clients. These include use of hybrid plant, diesel particulate filters which were retrofitted on diesel-powered plant machines, and design changes which led to an overall reduction in carbon emissions, through to simpler ideas targeting waste, energy and recycling. The benefits around the sustainability agenda, the market potential and the application of some of these innovations have been captured under Murphy’s Innovation Edge™ programme.”

Earlier this year HMJV was the first Crossrail Area East Contract team to achieve Green Line status for the Crossrail Thames Tunnel C310 project as a whole. The HMJV team is now focusing on construction of the tunnel cross passages and the first stage concrete base within the tunnels, as well as the remaining portal works in Plumstead. The team is also working to complete the construction of Woolwich Station where they will construct the platforms, internal walls, ventilation systems and concrete works for the future Crossrail Station at Woolwich Arsenal. Construction work is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of next year (2015)