When it comes to public transportation and infrastructure projects, our full range of solutions contribute to efficient tunneling construction for a variety of project requirements. From concrete admixtures and shotcrete to waterproofing membranes and injections, Sika tunneling technology stands up to the highest quality standards around the globe.
1Source: International Tunneling Association (ITA), Tunnel Market Survey 2016.
Shotcrete and Equipment
Speed Up Excavation Progress with Sika Shotcrete Technology
In cycle shotcreting is key for rapid tunneling excavation and fast cycle times in tunnels around the globe. Sika offers fully integrated solutions for wet and dry shotcrete along with a range of shotcrete equipment for all applications.
Shotcrete is ideal for ground stabilization, especially when dealing with challenging ground conditions, in order to protect men and machinery in portals, galleries and on ramps.
State-of-the-art custom King branded wet and dry shotcretes mixes.
Rapid early strength development of the shotcrete is critical in order to enable short cycle times and ensure efficient rates of progress in tunneling.
High early strengths are achieved with Sigunit® accelerators
Early setting of the shotcrete lining is critical in order to enable rapid underground development with short cycle times.
Sika Aliva® is a market leader when it comes to shotcrete equipment for both wet and dry spray applications.
Sika provides support from pre-testing, right through project completion with on-site support.
Our mission is to offer market leading solutions and support.
Waterproofing
Long-term Cost Savings with the Right System
Today, designers commonly request a service life for underground structures of 100+ years requiring a high-quality waterproofing system. A lack of water tightness severely reduces the long-term durability of a tunnel, causing damage and requiring expensive repairs and operational downtime.
The key elements to minimize operation costs include selection of the most appropriate waterproofing solution with project specific design together with safe application. A waterproofing system typically amounts to a fraction of total constructions costs. The selection of a high quality waterproofing solution may save a large amount on future maintenance and repair costs during the tunnel's service life.
As the global leader in structural waterproofing, Sika has a complete and comprehensive range of solutions to meet specific and usually harsh project requirements on site - including highly flexible membrane systems, waterproofing concrete admixtures and more.
The “umbrella system” provides a cost effective solution, based on a full arch barrier in combination with a drainage system to keep the tunnel and its structure dry. This method is suitable for non-fully submerged tunnels.
Umbrella sheet membrane system with loose-laid synthetic sheet membranes
For more than 50 years, Sika’s loose-laid synthetic membranes have been the below ground waterproofing system of choice where high performance is required. Through continual development of this technology the service life of Sika membranes remains unchallenged and their leading position is maintained by the most comprehensive materials testing.
The hydrostatic barrier system is formed to withstand permanent hydrostatic water pressure. Sika's high performing loose-laid sheet membrane including compartments and integrated backup system is applied as a single or double layer system.
Compartmentalized membrane system with integrated injection backup
For more than 50 years, Sika’s loose-laid synthetic, PVC or TPO-based membranes have been the below ground waterproofing system of choice where high performance is required. Through continual development of this technology the service life of Sika membranes remains unchallenged and their leading position is maintained by the most comprehensive materials testing.
Fully-bonded sheet membranes
Fully bonded sheet membrane systems have been developed as an alternative to the market standard loose-laid membrane systems. With a fully bonded sheet membrane system Sika’s advanced polymeric membranes are designed to form a full surface bond with the structural concrete. The benefits of this type of system include cost-efficiency due to its ease of application, while maintaining a high level of durability.
Sika "white box" concept with watertight concrete and joint sealing system
The integral waterproofing of concrete structures makes this approach a very convenient and attractive concept for contractors by utilizing Sika concrete admixtures and jointing systems. However, durability of this system also depends on the ground conditions, therefore additional protection may be required where increasing salt and chemical attacks are present.
Injections
Ground Consolidation, Stabilization and Waterstopping
Sika offers an extensive range of injection resin technologies for all types of applications. Unconstrained geology below ground represents a major challenge in tunneling and mining operations around the world. Uncontrolled water ingress can have a major impact on daily operations. Sika’s 100+ years of experience and know-how in tunnel waterproofing help address challenging ground conditions.
Water inrush in tunnel structures represents a major hazard which hinders and delays excavation and drifting processes. Sika® PU-resin injection systems are a powerful solution to consolidate and stabilize the ground to prevent and/ or counter any water infiltration.
Cavity and void filling is used to consolidate the fractured strata and stabilize the ground to ensure a faster, safer development process. The fast-foaming Sika® based injection products have high expansion factors that can fill large cavities and voids in a safe way.
An efficient way to stabilize unconsolidated geological masses, fractured rock-strata or permeable soils is by using cementitious injection grouting materials. These solutions are based on specially-blended cements with Sika® admixtures that are used to adjust the viscosity and accelerate the material's setting and hardening.
The use of TBMs for tunnel construction in highly populated areas such as cities and urban centres is now well established. However, there is still an increased risk factor when dealing with fault zones and unconsolidated geology. Potential collapses and water inrush must be avoided, as the potential cost of losing control during the tunneling process is very high. This risk can be safely mitigated by using Sika® pre-injection systems to consolidate and stabilize the ground ahead of the TBM.
Sika’s 100+ years of experience and know-how in tunnel waterproofing help address the daily challenges in tunnels. Sika experts provide assistance on-site and in the laboratory to select the most suitable and cost-effective materials and methods. Sika also provides the necessary detailed documentation and training for successful product application.
Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM)
Increasing Use of Mechanized Tunneling
Tunnel boring machines are very advanced equipment used as an alternative to drilling and blasting through rock and conventional mechanical excavation in soft ground. Mechanized tunneling has become more important with the rapid growth and expansion of underground construction in recent years.
Sika provides a wide range of products designed specifically for use with a variety of tunnel boring machines, throughout the whole tunnel excavation and construction process. Sika TBM solutions include foams, polymers, additives, main drive sealants, tail seal sealants, injections, backfilling grouts, conveyor belt repair, shotcrete materials, admixtures for concrete segments, rotor machines and spray booms.
Concrete Solutions
Reliable and Durable Concrete – Key to Any Tunneling Project
Sika offers a fully integrated product range when it comes to concrete solutions for tunneling projects. For decades, Sika is involved on the most challenging and largest tunneling projects on the globe. From high durability concrete for efficient shaft linings to watertight precast tunnel segments, we offer the products that solve nearly every concrete challenge.
Fast construction of safe and durable concrete structures is no longer a difficult task with Sika admixture technologies. Excellent pumpability, flow and compaction, followed by high early strength and low permeability are the key characteristics for a quality tunnel lining concrete.
High early strengths achieved with SikaRapid® technology
In order to reduce cycle times in underground operations, high early strengths are needed to ensure the lining can be demolded and precast elements can be moved, transported, and installed safely.
Extended workability times with Sika® ViscoCrete® & Sika® ViscoFlow® technology
In many situations, extending the workability time of the concrete is essential in tunneling applications, especially for pumped concrete where the transport distances and temperatures can be challenging factors in maintaining the required workability.
In the hardened concrete, high mechanical properties are achieved with SikaFiber®
For many areas of structural concrete the resistance against percussive or striking impact, plus the toughness and flexural strength of the concrete itself, can be significantly improved by the use of these Sika structural fibres.
High flow and workability with Sika® ViscoCrete® technology
An efficient way to easily place concrete is with the use of self-compacting concrete. By using an optimized Sika mix design, it is easy to create a concrete mix that is able to flow under its own weight, completely filling formwork and achieving full compaction without vibration, even around heavily congested reinforcement.
In tunnel segment production, high early strengths for rapid demolding, followed by the highest requirements with regards to performance and durability have to be fulfilled.
High early strengths achieved with SikaRapid® technology
In order to reduce cycle times in underground operations high early strengths are needed to ensure the elements can be demolded, moved or put under load as quickly as possible.
In hardened concrete, fire resistance can be achieved by using SikaFiber®
For many applications of precast lining, fire resistance is provided by the use of synthetic microfibres. Sika microfibres have been tested and certified by independent bodies and are well referenced for such application in many projects around the world.
Mining Solutions
Much More than Tunneling
Sika supplies mining solutions for the largest and technically most complex mining projects, everywhere in the world. Our Sika® and King® branded technologies contribute to efficient mine construction under a variety of conditions.
Sika Canada's STM group offers a full product range for your mining needs.
