USA

North Link Project: Refurbished TBM tackles Urban Seattle Tunnel

Tucked away on a small jobsite in a quiet neighbourhood bordering a busy interstate highway, a Robbins Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine underwent Onsite First Time Assembly (OFTA). The OFTA method allows for TBMs to be initially assembled onsite, and results in time and cost savings to the contractor. On November 17, 2014 the 6.65 m (21.8 ft) TBM rumbled to life and began its journey south into the city of Seattle, Washington, USA.

The machine, for contractor JCM North Link LLC (a joint venture of Jay Dee, Coluccio, and Michels) is excavating for the North Link Project, which is an...

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