Last week Dr. Sauer & Partners' Senior Tunnel Engineer in Toronto David Rheault joined the line-up of presenters at the American Shotcrete Association's annual Convention and Technology Conference in Ojai, California. The event was well attended, and David’s presentation well received.
In his presentation "Innovative Tunnel Solutions for Underground Infrastructure Projects" David discussed the notoriously challenging nature of public transit infrastructure expansions. He considered how often, many projects envision Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) and open-cut excavations, and how other construction approaches become preferable as owners begin to appreciate the total cost of construction. The presentation looked at The Sequential Excavation Method (SEM) as an alternative, discussing the technical challenges and solutions unique to the method.
SEM has provided efficiency and flexibility in constructing underground stations and connection tunnels throughout North America. David highlighted two projects in Canada (Eglinton Crosstown LRT and Highway 401 Rail Tunnel projects in Toronto) with a focus to the benefits of fibre-reinforced shotcrete linings with advanced numerical modelling, testing, and construction aspects. The SEM designs successfully optimized shotcrete performance and eliminated conventional bar reinforcement needs.
About David:
David Rheault is a Senior Tunnel Engineer at Dr. Sauer & Partners with over 10 years of experience in geotechnical and tunnel engineering. During his career, David has worked on a range of underground projects throughout North America with an emphasis on delivering tailored designs and construction phase services in the transportation industry.
