Abstract: The present invention provides for a compressible grout mix for filling an annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a tunnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation and a method of filling the annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a funnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation utilizing the compressible grout mix for resilient absorption of forces in the hardened state of the compressible grout mix exerted by the time dependent deformation of the rock wall surface into the tunnel opening. The method includes: a. providing a compressible grout mix comprising hydraulic binding agent, bentonite clay, polymer foam particles, water, and one or more additives selected from water-reducing admixture and/or setting retarding admixture, aggregate materials, anti-wash agents and air, b.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a compressible grout mix for filling an annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a tunnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation and a method of filling the annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a funnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation utilizing the compressible grout mix for resilient absorption of forces in the hardened state of the compressible grout mix exerted by the time dependent deformation of the rock wall surface into the tunnel opening. The method includes: a. providing a compressible grout mix comprising hydraulic binding agent, bentonite clay, polymer foam particles, water, and one or more additives selected from water-reducing admixture and/or setting retarding admixture, aggregate materials, anti-wash agents and air, b.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a compressible grout mix for filling an annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a tunnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation and a method of filling the annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a tunnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation utilizing the compressible grout mix for resilient absorption of forces in the hardened state of the compressible grout mix exerted by the time dependent deformation of the rock wall surface into the tunnel opening. The method includes: a. providing the compressible grout mix comprising hydraulic binding agent, bentonite clay, polymer foam particles, water-reducing admixture, water and air, b. placing the compressible grout mix in the annular gap between the tunnel wall rock surface and the tunnel liner, and c.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a compressible grout mix for filling an annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a tunnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation and a method of filling the annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a tunnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation utilizing the compressible grout mix for resilient absorption of forces in the hardened state of the compressible grout mix exerted by the time dependent deformation of the rock wall surface into the tunnel opening. The method includes: a. providing the compressible grout mix comprising hydraulic binding agent, bentonite clay, polymer foam particles, water-reducing admixture, water and air, b. placing the compressible grout mix in the annular gap between the tunnel wall rock surface and the tunnel liner, and c.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compressible grout mix for use as a fill in applications requiring absorption of compressive or deformation stresses between subterranean formations and subterranean structures as well as a method of filling a gap between subterranean formations and subterranean structures in a subterranean formation subject to compressive or deformation stresses utilizing the compressible grout mix for resilient absorption of forces in the hardened state of the compressible grout mix exerted by the time dependent deformation of the rock wall surface into the tunnel opening. The compressible grout mix contains hydraulic binding agent, polymer foam particles, anti-wash agent, and water and the method includes: a. providing the compressible grout mix containing hydraulic binding agent, polymer foam particles, anti-wash agent, and water, b. placing the compressible grout mix in the gap between the subterranean formation and the subterranean structure, and c.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a compressible grout mix for filling an annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a tunnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation and a method of filling the annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a tunnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation utilizing the compressible grout mix for resilient absorption of forces in the hardened state of the compressible grout mix exerted by the time dependent deformation of the rock wall surface into the tunnel opening. The method includes: a. providing the compressible grout mix comprising hydraulic binding agent, bentonite clay, polymer foam particles, water-reducing admixture, water and air, b. placing the compressible grout mix in the annular gap between the tunnel wall rock surface and the tunnel liner, and c.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a compressible grout mix for filling an annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a tunnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation and a method of filling the annular gap between a tunnel rock wall surface and a tunnel liner of a tunnel in a rock formation subject to time dependent deformation after excavation utilizing the compressible grout mix for resilient absorption of forces in the hardened state of the compressible grout mix exerted by the time dependent deformation of the rock wall surface into the tunnel opening. The method includes: a. providing the compressible grout mix comprising hydraulic binding agent, bentonite clay, polymer foam particles, water-reducing admixture, water and air, b. placing the compressible grout mix in the annular gap between the tunnel wall rock surface and the tunnel liner, and c.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a clip connector for joining steel ribs together end to end to provide a support for lateral wood or steel beams used to line a tunnel. The clip connector has a generally C shaped cross section with a web section having a width approximately equal to the width of the flange of the steel rib and a length and shape sufficient to overlap the ends of the joined steel ribs. The clip has flanges extending from either side of the web to wrap around the flange of steel ribs and contain the flange of the steel rib.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door arrangement for a tunneling machine. The door arrangement is for location at the front of the tunneling machine adjacent to the digging end of the machine. The door arrangement allows for the interior of the machine to be sealed off from the tunnel face, while also allowing for the door arrangement to be opened and allow complete access to the tunnel face. The door arrangement comprises door sections for hinged connection to a tunneling machine, the door sections being pivotable about the hinged connection between a closed position sealing the tunneling machine and an open position allowing the tunneling machine access to a tunnel face.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a clip connector for joining steel ribs together end to end to provide a support for lateral wood or steel beams used to line a tunnel. The clip connector has a generally C shaped cross section with a web section having a width approximately equal to the width of the flange of the steel rib and a length and shape sufficient to overlap the ends of the joined steel ribs. The clip has flanges extending from either side of the web to wrap around the flange of steel ribs and contain the flange of the steel rib.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steel segment assembly for lining a tunnel. The segment assembly has a frame to which is attached a steel panel, the frame and panel being a segment of a cylinder dimensioned to the desired tunnel diameter. The frame is preferably square, rectangular or trapezoidal in shape and is constructed of suitably dimensioned members having a square or rectangular cross section welded together. The frame has two curved spaced apart side members to form the long sides of the frame, the curved spaced apart side members being joined together at either end by end members to form the short sides of the frame. At least one intermediate member is provided between the two end members to bridge the two curved spaced apart side members to provide transverse structural support to the steel segment assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door arrangement for a tunneling machine. The door arrangement is for location at the front of the tunneling machine adjacent to the digging end of the machine. The door arrangement allows for the interior of the machine to be sealed off from the tunnel face, while also allowing for the door arrangement to be opened and allow complete access to the tunnel face. The door arrangement comprises door sections for hinged connection to a tunneling machine, the door sections being pivotable about the hinged connection between a closed position sealing the tunneling machine and an open position allowing the tunneling machine access to a tunnel face.

Abstract: A tunnel digging apparatus has an undercarriage pivotally attached to a moving means, the undercarriage being pivotable between a first moving position where the machine may be moved over a surface by operation of the moving means and a second operating position such that at least a portion of the undercarriage is in contact with the surface. The machine in the operating position is supported by at least a portion of the moving means and the portion of the undercarriage in contact with the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tunnel boring machine particularly a micro-tunnelling machine having a cutting head rotatably mounted on the end of a housing and being driven by a first motor means and a rotatable central auger for removal of soil from the cutting operation mounted in the interior of the housing, the central auger being driven by a second motor means to allow rotation of the auger independent of the rotation of the cutting head. The tunnel boring machine may also be provided with a rock crusher between the cutting head and the auger to reduce boulders encountered during the tunneling to a size to be able to be transported by the auger.