Conduit 16 launch and receiving shafts
- Location Colorado
- Timeline2019
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Construction
MethodsSecant piles
Scope
Michels constructed secant compression ring launch and receiving shafts for a microtunneling project. The launch shaft was comprised of 46 intersecting 1-meter diameter secant piles drilled to a depth of 54 feet. The receiving shaft was comprised of 38 intersecting 1-meter diameter piles drilled to a depth of 52 feet. The project required a shoring system below the water table in extremely permeable soil to allow Michels tunneling team to use the shafts to bore a tunnel under railroad tracks. The secant piles were drilled into a dry clay stone to seal off all water concerns. Because the secant piles are interlocked and tip out in dry clay stone, the tunneling work was completed in a dry environment.