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Murphy innovates on Crossrail tunnel

Murphy Group says it has introduced “new thinking and innovation” on the 3km (1.8-mile) Crossrail tunnel under the River Thames from Plumstead to Woolwich.

The company fitted a fibre optic system embedded into the concrete rings supporting the tunnel structure, to provide detailed knowledge of how the structure behaves in use. The sensors monitor ground movement, the effect of loading caused by tidal changes, and the structure’s ongoing integrity.

Another claimed first was boring the tunnel (in the joint venture with Hochtief) using groundwater rather than potable water. The dewatering process is estimated to have saved two million litres of potable water per week, reduced carbon emissions by 23 tonnes, and saved £100,000.



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  • Andrewjgwilt1989 - 10/06/2016 23:19

    I like how the Crossrail project is not far of from being completed with the tunnelling completed comes with new railway tracks, new signalling and new overhead wires and electrification inside and outside the tunnels and the GEML and GWML having some improvements including electrification works and overhead wiring renewals and a new terminus platform at Shenfield station which is under construction and should be completed by mid June/July next year or in November next year that once opened, Crossrail trains will use platforms 5 & 6 as terminus platforms whilst platform 4 is used for Southend Victoria trains and platform 3 for trains passing through Shenfield and to stop at Shenfield towards Colchester, Clacton, Braintree and Ipswich.

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