In the construction of tunnels, accessories and sealing gaskets have the role of fixing and composing the lining in precast tunnel segments, ensuring adequate connection between successive rings, their relative waterproofing and supporting the services and systems along the excavation of the work.
The design of each specific connection system (in particular the mechanical connectors on the circumferential joint of the prefabricated segments) influences not only the mechanical performances, but also contributes to a simple, fast and reliable fixing of the sealing bushing inside the segments.
At the same time, sealing gaskets are now almost universally designed in the “anchored” mode to the concrete of the lining ring, with a system of attachment to the formwork (clipping) that must be “smart” ensuring solidity of the sealing system and at the same time easy dismantling.
The quality of the formwork design and the co-operation of the connection systems with the sealing gaskets not only allow a simplification of the casting process of the segments, but also bring greater safety for the operators who assemble the prefabricated rings in the tunnel.
AB TUNNELLING has been working for years, on a daily basis, in the research and development of accessories for tunnel excavation and, in particular, of gaskets that meet performance requirements in step with the new challenges in the field of underground transport infrastructures.
In this field we collaborate with a true reference in the sector, our Italian partner FIP MEC, with the aim of enhancing the materials used for the production and optimizing the production process of the precast tunnel segments.
The FIP MEC testing and materials laboratory is at the forefront of civil engineering: it boasts over 40 years of static and dynamic testing activity on bearing devices and seismic isolators and allows tests to be performed on all accessories and gaskets, supporting AB TUNNELLING from prototyping and experimental testing to continuous batch testing.
AB TUNNELLING is also a member of the international working group created by the German research organization STUVA for the drafting of guidelines for the application and testing of prefabricated tanning accessories.
For any kind of information about accessories and gaskets for prefabricated ashlars for tunnels do not hesitate to contact us.