As can be seen in the photo's a large benched pit was excavated and a concrete base poured to stabilize the jacking frame. Boring began at a steady pace and then break-down! In every sense of the word. No management by the Sub-contractor and the inability to be honest with staff and the client led to tense working conditions for all involved. Experienced personnel left and the bore progressed slowly with a number of unusual and unexplainable breakdowns.
Leed Engineering the principal contractor was very patient. Then the control box failed , requiring major repairs. Next the skin welded to the drill head came unattached, creating a serious confined space issue. Again the Sub-contractors management failed tests of integrity and when the dust settled one micro tunneller and myself were left to complete the bore.
The photo's give an idea of the size bore that can be successfully vacuum micro tunnelled.
Some may ponder the candid reflection I give to this bore and all the challenges associated with it. My response is simple. I have been allowed to learned from others mistakes . You are more than welcome to learn from mine!
The lesson : Never stay on a ship that is captained by inexperience and no integrity. Failing to board a life raft immediately will only leave you painting a sinking ship and see your name and reputation lost....
Unexplained control box failure!
Drill head after bore completed.
Drill head preparation ,notice the bands.
Benched pit housing 9m long jacking frame and rotation motors.
The completed bore 1025mm diameter.