Sweden leads training for shotcrete operators 08 Jun 2017

The E4 Stockholm bypass project will be one of the largest civil projects in Sweden, estimated at a cost of €3.1 billion, and one of the longest road tunnels in the world. Many contractors will be involved so Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Authority, want to verify the skill levels of all operators to ensure the quality of the work performed.

Edvirt 3D shotcrete simulator

Implenia has been the first to train and certify all sprayed concrete operators working on the project. The certification was awarded by Trafikverket with Edvirt providing the practical part of the training using two of its 3D shotcrete simulators at the Trafikverket facilities in Stockholm. As well as passing both theory tests and 17 practical assignments on the simulator, operators also required proof of at least two months’ experience of robotic concrete spraying.

“We need to increase the quality and productivity and reduce the use of material which affects the carbon footprint in our projects. That is why we now require training and certification of operators working with sprayed concrete, injection and bolting” said Thomas Dalmalm, Head of the specialist function for Stockholm at Trafikverket.

The quality of the sprayed concrete lining is based on the concrete and machines used, as well as the skill of the operator. Good quality sprayed concrete can only be provided by certified operators. Having operators working on the project without a valid certification is counted as a contract breach between the hired contractor and Trafikverket.

“We see this initiative from Trafikverket as a milestone for the industry, and believe that more projects around the world will see the importance of having only trained and tested operators working underground. Both from a cost-saving and safety perspective” said Eric Odkrans, CEO at Edvirt.

The 3D shotcrete simulator is a cost effective way to educate nozzlemen as there is no concrete waste or machine wear and inexperienced operators are not exposed to the hazardous environments of tunnels.

Edvirt are currently training shotcrete operators working on the WestConnex M4 East and New M5 projects, Australia; Peace River Hydro Partners in BC, Canada and Redpath Australia and offering scaling training to QME, Ireland.