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A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

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A <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />

Mastering Different Fields <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU<br />

9. What are the differences in design between normal precast<br />

concrete pipes and pipes used for pipe jacking? (DP5)<br />

For pipes used for pipe jacking, they should possess the following<br />

characteristics:<br />

(i) Pipes should have high concrete strength to withstand the stress<br />

induced during the jacking process.<br />

(ii) There is tight tolerance in pipe dimension and the pipe joints are<br />

specially designed to provide trouble-free joint details. Two commonly<br />

available joints are rebated joint and butt end joint.<br />

(iii) Pipes preferably should have smooth external concrete finishes to<br />

reduce the friction between the pipes and surrounding soil.<br />

10. How could ground freezing stop ingress <strong>of</strong> groundwater in<br />

excavation? (DT5)<br />

The concept <strong>of</strong> ground freezing involves the lowering <strong>of</strong> temperature <strong>of</strong><br />

ground near the excavation area. Drillholes with designed spacing are<br />

installed so that a chilled brine or liquid nitrogen is introduced into the holes.<br />

Brine requires continuous circulation while liquid nitrogen is for rapid<br />

freezing and it is unrecoverable. With the addition <strong>of</strong> a chilled brine or liquid<br />

nitrogen, the groundwater is frozen into ice. Upon frozen, soils exhibit<br />

higher shear strength and the frozen zone acts as an impermeable barrier<br />

so that water could not enter the excavation zone.<br />

11. What is the difference between “cut-and-cover” method and<br />

“cover-and-cut” method in tunnel construction? (DT4)<br />

“Cut-and-cover” method involves the construction <strong>of</strong> open cut at the first<br />

place, followed by the construction <strong>of</strong> tunnels under open excavation. Upon<br />

completion <strong>of</strong> the structure, backfilling and reinstatement would be<br />

subsequently carried out.<br />

“Cover-and-cut” method involves firstly the construction <strong>of</strong> cover followed<br />

by the second stage in which construction activities are carried out under<br />

the cover. As such, the disturbance to the public owing to constructional<br />

activities could be reduced to a minimum.<br />

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