Main Drive Fullround Formwork - Factory Acceptance Test

After nearly 12 months of design, engineering and manufacturing the first of the 6 main tunnel secondary lining shutters that will be used on the west section of the Thames Tideway Tunnel were tested and accepted at Kern’s factory in Ptuj/Slovenia.


The Kern team demonstrated the innovative shutter to representatives from the BAM Nuttall, Morgan Sindall, Balfour Beatty joint venture and Tideway.

Based on the experience of the Hammersmith Pumping Station secondary lining works and the recently constructed Frogmore Connection Tunnel shutter, the main tunnel secondary lining system was developed. The six 8.5m long shutters are designed to place approximately 350m3 concrete each day. Special emphasis was given to the high degree of automation in order to reduce manual handling and to enhance health and safety.

Within the coming 5 months the next 5 shutters and the second service gantry will be preassembled and tested at Kern’s premises. As soon as the tunnel boring machined has completed the main drive and the tunnel has been cleared, the 6 shutters will be assembled on site and will start placing the secondary lining from Acton Storm Tanks site in West London towards Carnwath Road Riverside in South West London.