The most crucial phase of a tunnel’s construction is the final lining. It serves as the support for the service installations, such as the final ventilation, aeration, and lighting, as well as the final reinforcement that determines the longevity and structural strength of the underground works.
A variety of technological options are available for this stage, with a focus on improving final quality, longevity, safety, and appearance from an architectural standpoint.
Our Wirand® steel fibres are used to structurally reinforce the concrete final lining, which is poured or pumped directly into formwork, for conventionally excavated tunnels. Productivity rises as traditional steel reinforcement is diminished or completely deleted, and lining thickness may be decreased as a result. In comparison to regular concrete, steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) is more ductile, harder, and less permeable. Through the reduction of spalling phenomena, certain polymer fibres considerably boost fire resistance. Ceramic linings can also give the tunnel a beautiful finish.
The conventional steel reinforcement method can be replaced with special steel fibres. The segmental precast concrete lining is frequently the last lining used in TBM tunnels. Our Wirand® steel fibres are utilised to structurally support the segments, often allowing the full elimination of all traditional steel reinforcement, whether it is for a major metro tunnel or a small diameter service tunnel.
Segments have special polymer fibres added to them to greatly improve the concrete’s durability to high temperatures. This lessens explosive spalling and fire-exposed tunnel lining damage.
