Salus, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), completed her first tunnel drive and broke through into the shaft at Inner Bair Island in March! Salus came in on time and on target to the “Tunnel Eye,” and is currently resting on the cradle that was installed for support after the breakthrough. This marks a great milestone for the RESCU Program.
Barnard-Bessac Joint Venture, with the assistance of the crane sub-contractor Bigge, is removing Salus section by section. Removal starts with the cutter head wheel, followed by the portion containing the sensors and motors that drive the cutter head wheel. Last to be removed is the screw conveyor, which carries the excavated material (muck) from the cutter head to the belt conveyor to the muck pit located at the launch shaft.
Once the cutter head wheel is removed, BBJV will inspect the cutting tools and disc cutters to assess the need for any potential replacement parts. This step helps prepare Salus’ second drive towards the SVCW wastewater treatment plant, which covers about two times the distance of the first drive.
Upon removal, Salus will be transported in pieces back to the original TBM launch shaft and re-assembled for its second drive. During her re-assembly, BBJV will coordinate with the Front of Plant contractor, Shea-Parsons Joint Venture, about shaft break in requirements for the Front of Plant at the SVCW wastewater treatment plant.