STRABAG
STRABAG is a leading European construction company distinguished by innovation, quality and sustainability.
- Date
- 13 February 2025
- Time
This event has now ended
Overview
In 2023, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) set a world record with a single drive of 25.8 kilometres, the longest continuous drive by a TBM globally. The tunnel has now surpassed 29 kilometres in length.
In addition to the main tunnel, two 380-metre-deep shafts at Lockwood Beck and Lady Cross have been successfully constructed through highly faulted geology with high groundwater pressures and flows using the blind boring method, marking the first application of this technique in the UK.
These shafts provide access, ventilation, and other essential services to the tunnel, including power, water, and grout delivery systems. They are connected to the main drive via two 20m long adit tunnels, which were excavated and spray-concrete-lined to ensure robust structural integrity and operational efficiency.
Information will also be provided on one of the project’s significant challenges has been maintaining and repairing the TBM cutterhead as it continues to progress at unprecedented distances through the demanding geology. Timber heading techniques were utilised to facilitate safe and effective cutterhead repairs in the confined underground environment.
These achievements underscore the technical complexity, environmental responsibility, and innovative engineering that have defined STRABAG’s contribution to this ambitious and record-setting project.
Works also continue at the Woodsmith mine site as the two 1,600m shafts are being developed through challenging geology to reach target depths to enable Polyhalite extraction. An update will be given on the current works and how the team has overcome many challenges since the previous BTS presentation in 2021.
Following the lecture, there will be a networking session, with food and drinks sponsored by STRABAG UK at the ICE Kendal's Cafe.
Organised by
British Tunnelling Society
The BTS is a dynamic group of tunnelling professionals sharing knowledge within the industry.
MinSouth
The mission of MinSouth is to be a focus for mining & minerals related professionals based in London and the South East of England.
Speakers
Jeff Hawman
Anglo American
woodsmith mine manager
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Jeff Hawman
Fellow of IOM3 with over 20 years’ experience in the UK mining industry. Jeff holds an MSc in Mining Engineering from CSM and a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Manchester. Single point Client responsible for the execution of works on the MTS tunnel and related infrastructure and appointed under the 2014 Mines Regulations to be responsible for the safety and management of the Woodsmith Project tunnelling sites.
Ashley Poulter
STRABAG UK
deputy project director
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Ashley Poulter
Chartered Engineer and Member of the IOM3 with 25 years' experience in tunnelling and mining projects including; CTRL C220 (HS1), Combe Down Stone Mines, Crossrail C305, Hinkley Point C and Woodsmith Mine.
Callum Fryer
STRABAG UK
construction manager - surface
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Callum Fryer
Chartered Civil Engineer with over 10 years experience in delivering major civils projects. Responsible for the construction of the deep access shafts and general surface works on the project.
Tom Wootton
STRABAG UK
construction manager - tunnels
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Tom Wootton
Qualified from CSM with a Mining Engineering degree. Progressed into the tunnel industry working on projects such as Crossrail, Thames Tideway before the Woodsmith Project. Responsible for tunnelling activities on the project.
Sustainable Development Goals:
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