Gulf Construction Online - Bauer system is cut out for microtunnelling work

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Bauer’s Cube system ... a game-changer.

Bauer system is cut out for microtunnelling work

01 September 2021

Bauer Maschinen Group, a global leader in the development and manufacture of specialist foundation engineering equipment, has announced the launch of an innovative cutting system developed in collaboration with its strategic partner, the Belgian tunnel construction expert Denys.

Bauer Cube System will open up entirely new opportunities for the future construction of diaphragm walls, says the Germany-based Bauer.

“It is designed as an electrically powered cutting system which builds on a great deal of proven expertise from Bauer but features an entirely new construction,” explains Dr Ruediger Kaub, Managing Director of Bauer Maschinen. “What makes it unique is that the entire system was developed precisely in container dimensions. This means it can be used without any problem in microtunnels with small diameters of just 3.8 m, for example.”

“Imagine you are planning a new subway line in a densely populated city. Ideally, you want to plan the new line to allow passengers to get on and off exactly where they want to go. This means that the new subway stations need to be located exactly where there are large office complexes, a large shopping centre or the city centre. But in such locations, it would be very difficult or even impossible to build these subway stations with the technology available to date. It is now possible, thanks to our Bauer Cube System, which can be used exactly where the new subway stations need to be constructed: Underground, below the existing buildings! This opens up entirely new opportunities for designers and architects,” remarks Kaub.

Underground expansion of cities, setting up drinking water storage, or transferring cloud servers below ground along with the necessary cooling technology are all conceivable applications.

The advantages of the system are evident: The impact of construction sites on traffic, businesses and residents (in particular) are minimised. This is because the minimally invasive Cube System only requires a comparatively small access point to an existing microtunnel or auxiliary tunnel.

The actual work is carried out underground, essentially invisibly. The electric drive system also considerably reduces the ecological disturbance of a cutting site.