With progress by tunnel boring machine (TBM) Florence in the headrace tunnel slowing in very hard and abrasive rock on Wednesday 15 May, the project ceased excavation by the TBM on Thursday 16 May due to rock pinching on the machine’s shield. This update on TBM operations was provided within 24 hours of the machine being stopped.
The Snowy 2.0 project team sought immediate advice from a specialist contractor with experience at other Australian projects with the same TBM situation. Today the contractor commenced work using high pressure water jets to remove the rock impinging on TBM Florence’s shield.
Timing for estimated recommencement of excavation will be determined on the successful removal of the rock.
The next TBM Florence update will be provided in the week commencing Monday 27 May.