Japanese machine for Alaskan Way mega drive
Jul 2011
Shani Wallis, TunelTalk
- Hitachi Zosen is selected to supply the super-sized EPBM for the Alaskan Way bored tunnel project in Seattle. In a letter of intent delivered this week, the Japanese manufacturer is notified of a contract to design, build, deliver and commission an EPB machine of about 58ft (17.6m) in diameter to excavate the proposed double-deck highway tunnel.
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A mighty 17.5m or 58ft diameter tunnel will replace Seattle's double-decked waterfront viaduct
- The notice is delivered by Seattle Tunnel Partners (STP) the construction joint venture of Dragados and Tutor Perini awarded the contract to design and build the proposed SR 99 bored tunnel.
- As well as building and delivering the machine, Hitachi will assemble and test it on site and train STP personnel to operate what will be the largest diameter tunnel boring machine in the world to date.
- Four manufacturing groups presented proposals on May 31 for the order: Herrenknecht (Germany), Hitachi Zosen (Japan), Kawasaki-SELI (Japan, Italy), and Robbins-Mitsubishi (United States, Japan).
- According to STP there were numerous meetings during the evaluation process.
- Among other things, consideration was given to the teams' ability to meet technical requirements, as prescribed and as established specifically for this project; management and supervision on the construction site; cost and schedule; and warranty and bonding.
- Hitachi Zosen was confirmed as the best value manufacturer based on overall technical requirements, support capabilities, price and schedule.
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The huge EPBM will advance beneath the high-rise city centre
- Located in Osaka, Japan, Hitachi Zosen has manufactured more than 1,300 TBMs. Among them are several large-diameter machines. These include the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway EPBM at 45ft (13.86m) diameter, and a slurry machine of 47ft (14.33m) diameter for the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway Tunnel.
- Currently, and also in Seattle, Hitachi Zosen has supplied an EPBM for the University Link extension of the city’s light rail transit system. To California, it supplied a slurry TBM for the first bored tunnel under San Francisco Bay for a water supply project. Hitachi also delivered recently two machines to India for the Bangalore Metro, another to Hong Kong for the Express Rail Link (XRL), and four to Singapore for the Downtown Metro Line Stage 2.
- Chris Dixon, an STP executive, said: "Receiving proposals from four highly qualified and experienced tunnel boring machine manufacturers resulted in a very competitive procurement. We are confident that Hitachi Zosen will build a state-of-the-art machine that will safely construct the proposed bored tunnel."
- Seattle Tunnel Partners issued the letter of intent to Hitachi Zosen on July 15, which allows them to begin preliminary design until the project receives federal environmental approval next month. Once this is granted the client for the project, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), will direct Seattle Tunnel Partners to proceed with final design and construction and the design-build team will execute a contract with Hitachi Zosen to design and manufacture the boring machine.
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Bored tunnel alignment - State governor Chris Gregoire said of the news: "After a decade of debate, we are taking another step toward creating a new waterfront for Seattle. Hitachi Zosen's state-of-the-art proposal exceeded WSDOT's standards and will help Seattle Tunnel Partners deliver this world-class tunnel project."
- Washington Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond said: "WSDOT required Seattle Tunnel Partners to provide and safely operate a machine that could successfully bore through soil conditions in downtown Seattle, that would protect city infrastructure and buildings, and would provide real time monitoring information to inspectors. We are pleased with the selection of Hitachi Zosen and know they will be a strong partner in delivering this complex project."
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Alaskan Way design-build contract signed - TunnelTalk, Jan 2011
Hitachi adds to overseas order book - TunnelTalk, Jan 2011
U-Link prepares to receive its TBMs - TunnelTalk, March 2011
Hitachi EPBM for San Francisco Bay tunnel - TunnelTalk, Sept 2010
Construction begins on Bay Tunnel for SFPUC - TunnelCast, Sept 2010
Bangalore Metro TBMs inaugurated - TunnelTalk, May 2011
Taking mega TBMs to greater limits - TunnelTalk, July 2011
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