Abstract: The invention relates to forming spaced apart pits along the outer edges of the subway site which can be immediately covered with steel plates to permit normal traffic flow. The plates are removed and soldier beams placed at spaced positions in each pit. As excavation proceeds timber lagging is inserted between the soldier beams. When the excavation is made between the soldier beams, timber bracing and caps are installed across the tops of the soldier beams to receive the precast decking. Further soldier beams are then driven between the aforementioned soldier beams after the decking and bracing are removed. Excavation then can be made to permit construction of concrete walls along said further soldier beams longitudinally to comprise the outermost edges thereof. Sewer and gas mains are then laid along the concrete walls of either or both of them, optionally, but preferably exterior thereof to permit ready connection to dwellings or buildings.

Abstract: The invention relates to construction of subways or the like using precast, prestressed, ribbed arch concrete panels to build subways with or without utility chambers and above or below ground water. One approach constructs a subway without utility chamber substantially entirely through the use of the concrete panels while the other constructs a subway with utility chamber utilizing poured concrete walls for the utility chamber with the procedure being adapted to a cut and cover method for minimal influence on traffic flow and the train tunnel being formed of the concrete panels.