NEWS
HS2 tunnelling reaches milestone with the addition of new machine
C onstruction of the new HS2 line reached a significant milestone , according to Skanska , with the unveiling of the final machine for the Northolt Tunnel under London .
Named after Lady Anne Byron , an influential educational reformer and philanthropist , the machine continues a tradition of honouring prominent women . It will bore 3.4 miles from Ealing to Greenford , joining another machine named Emily .
The tunnel , a joint venture between Skanska , Costain , and STRABAG , stretches 8.4 miles from Ealing to Hillingdon . With four tunnel boring machines ( TBMs ) now operational , including Anne and Emily , progress is underway for completion by 2025 .
James Richardson , Managing Director for Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture , said : “ The launch of TBM Anne is a milestone moment in this year of peak activity for the HS2 London Tunnels project . With a quartet of TBMs and over 20 construction sites all making significant progress , we are on course to deliver the high-speed line into central London , creating economic growth and opportunities at every step of the way .”
Manufactured by Herrenknecht in Germany , TBM Anne is one of ten specially designed for the HS2 project . Weighing 1,700 tonnes and 170 meters in length , it boasts a 9.11-meter diameter cutterhead . The machine ’ s assembly and launch followed meticulous preparation , including lowering it in parts into a 25-meter-deep crossover box . Two more TBMs are in construction for the final leg of the HS2 tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston .
Trimble announces a productivity toolkit to enhance fabrication for mechanical contractors designing in the Revit . ITM format
T rimble has introduced Fabrication SmartTools , a new drawing , routing and fabrication toolkit built to amplify Fabrication Parts in Revit to save time and increase productivity for mechanical contractors . Additionally , mechanical detailers can now design for coordination , planning and fabrication with fewer steps by enabling users to automate manual and repetitive processes . In turn , they can efficiently and accurately model fully-coordinated systems , assemblies and fabrication spools .
Fabrication SmartTools is a suite of tools that allows mechanical contractors to design for fabrication without the redundant , error-prone and manual tasks that drain efficiency . By automating such tasks as tagging , numbering , hanger location and placement , and defining assemblies for prefabrication ,
3D modelling time can be cut in half . Now users can create and edit models ( complete with labour estimates and manufacturer information ) without the risk of omitting loose parts – all without leaving Revit .
“ By building , delivering and extending an offering for . ITM users via a productivity toolkit for Autodesk Fabrication , Trimble is addressing the lack of efficiency within the construction industry ,” said Lawrence Smith , Vice President and General Manager of Trimble ’ s construction management solutions . “ The addition of Fabrication SmartTools to our Virtual Design and Construction ( VDC ) subscriptions demonstrates our continued commitment to empower detailers with best-in-class tools , content and digital workflows that maximise detailing and prefabrication efficiency .”
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