Tunnelling machinery

Tender description

It is necessary to develop alternative techniques for tunnel re-lining that will meet future demands of reduced track access and increasing train operations. Network Rail is responsible for 703 operational tunnels throughout the network; this equates to 335 Km of tunnel structures. The vast majority of tunnels were constructed in the Victorian era and are brick lined. These Victorian tunnels are subject to degradation and defects occur within linings constantly. The level of degradation and the access required to carry out repairs is not sustainable. This is mainly due to the repairs being labour intensive and with limited access, the volume of repairs required to ensure serviceability cannot be met. As more pressure is increased to deliver a faster and more reliable railway, enhancement projects that increase gauge or upgrade electrification in tunnels necessitates the need for new technology to accommodate these aspirations, while also allowing minimum disruption to train performance. It is necessary to develop alternative techniques for tunnel re-lining that will meet future demands of reduced track access and increasing train operations. Network Rail is responsible for 703 operational tunnels throughout the network; this equates to 335 Km of tunnel structures. The vast majority of tunnels were constructed in the Victorian era and are brick lined. These Victorian tunnels are subject to degradation and defects occur within linings constantly. The level of degradation and the access required to carry out repairs is not sustainable. This is mainly due to the repairs being labour intensive and with limited access, the volume of repairs required to ensure serviceability cannot be met. As more pressure is increased to deliver a faster and more reliable railway, enhancement projects that increase gauge or upgrade electrification in tunnels necessitates the need for new technology to accommodate these aspirations, while also allowing minimum disruption to train performance. Objective The project will undertake a feasibility study to understand how the above can be achieved taking into account the following: — How tunnel re-lining can be carried out without the need for long blockades; — How rail traffic would pass through the works while considering both single and double track tunnels; — What enabling works will be required (whole railway system); — How electrification both 3rd rail and OHLE and other services would be accommodated; — Invert reconstruction; — Differing geological setting; — New linings using current modern construction materials i.e. shotcrete or segmental; — Adaptation of machine for differing relining scenarios i.e. gauge, geological setting, tunnel types; — Interaction with existing structural elements i.e. shafts, cross passages, portals. Deliverable The submitted final feasibility report will consist of a number of case studies of differing operational tunnels located around the country (NR to provide list), including an indicative cost of re-lining. Network Rail is looking for the following skill sets: — Demonstrate that they have suitable and sufficient experience in tunnel design; — Design of brick lined tunnel renewal and refurbishment; — Execution of design and refurbishment works; — Design and manufacture of plant and machinery for tunnel refurbishment/renewal; — Temporary works design for tunnel renewal and refurb to include all services within the refurbished tunnel. e.g. Overhead Line Equipment. Network Rail is interested in working with the following: 1. Tunnel design consultants; 2. Tunnelling machine manufacturers; 3. Experienced tunnel electrification suppliers; 4. Tunnel engineering contractors. If you are interested in this opportunity and can demonstrate your experience with the above requirements, please contact Alex.Jerome@networkrail.co.uk with which capabilities you are able to provide and why you believe you would be able to assist Network Rail with this opportunity. Please respond by 29th September at 17:00 to confirm your interest. There may be a supply market engagement event held depending on the level of responses received to this PIN. Network Rail will notify interested suppliers of this in due course.