A microtunneling complex has been launched at the construction site of the Vynohradar metro, which is laying a new 750 m long storm sewer network in a closed manner. A collector with a diameter of 1200 mm using more than 200 reinforced concrete pipes will be installed as part of the project.
To perform the work, Autostrada uses its own remotely controlled microtunneling complex Herrenknecht AG - equipment that is one of the world leaders in the field of trenchless construction of engineering networks.
Before the start of the tunneling, our specialists equipped the starting and receiving shafts - special underground chambers for starting and receiving the complex. Powerful hydraulic jacks in the starting shaft gradually push the pipes into the ground, pushing the tunneling shield forward. In one cycle, the complex is able to pass up to 150 meters, ensuring high productivity and continuity of work.
The complex operates using closed technology with constant pressure control on the face, which is critically important in complex water-saturated Kyiv soils. A special cutting mechanism adapts to geological conditions, and stones and solid inclusions are crushed inside the machine and, together with the water-soil mixture, are transported to the surface through a pipeline. At the same time, a high-precision navigation system continuously monitors the trajectory of the shield, allowing it to adhere to the design axis with an accuracy of a few millimeters even near existing underground communications.
Microtunnelling technology is the optimal solution for the dense urban development of Vynohradar. It allows laying new networks without large-scale excavation of the surface, minimizing the impact of construction on road traffic, urban infrastructure and people's daily lives.
To implement such high-tech projects, Autostrada has created the largest metro construction division in Ukraine, uniting leading specialists in the industry. It is the professional team and modern technologies that allow us to perform the most complex works on the construction of the metro in accordance with the highest international standards.
According to the tradition that exists in the world metro construction, each tunnel-boring complex receives a female name. This custom originates from Saint Barbara - the patron saint of miners and underground builders, who, according to legend, protects those who work underground. We named this micro-tunnel-boring complex "Nika" - in honor of the ancient Greek goddess of victory, a symbol of victory, strength and successful achievement of the goal.