V-ROD Composite Rebar in Tunnels and Diaphragm Walls
These days, tunnels are constructed with a variety of techniques,
such as the more traditional bored-tunnel method or the cut-and-cover
(open-pit) method. Using shields and tunnel boring machines (TBMs) is
more common and requires an extraction shaft and reinforced concrete
launch box.
While TBMs are well-suited for boring through concrete, they are not
necessarily adapted to bore through a steel-reinforced concrete
structure. This is due to the resilience of the steel.
Thus, steel reinforcement can substantially delay or disrupt the
process of rotary cutters because of its ductility, absorbing the
cutter’s energy and deforming instead of allowing them to fracture the
concrete as they’re supposed to.
However, GAMKA’s V-ROD composite rebars can elude this problem, as
they are usually located in the area where TBMs go through the
reinforced concrete wall, which is known as the diaphragm walls (Soft
Eye). This is because the elastic-to-rupture behavior of V-ROD allows
TBMs to bore through the reinforced concrete structure without
presenting any more resistance than what would be experienced when
boring through rock or unreinforced concrete.
The ultimate result of GAMKA V-ROD composite rebar solution is a
reinforcement pattern that exhibits minor differences when compared to
the steel version and a greatly improved work schedule, as the
demolition step with steel reinforcement is no longer required.
In other words, V-ROD will save you money and time in the long run.
Far less costly than Stainless Stee Rebar or Epoxy Coated Rebar and
requires less concrete cover than using plain rebar.