Cut and Cover Construction of the SSC Injector Tunnels

by Mahendra P. Yajnik,
Wayne Q. Hudler,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Structures Congress XII

Abstract:

The injector system of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) constitutes the string of tunnels where protons are accelerated to near the speed of light and injected into the main collider ring. If conventional methods of tunnel construction are implemented, the relatively shallow injector tunnels would have required an extensive ground support system. Preliminary studies indicated that, for near surface tunnels, the cut and cover construction combined with the use of high strength concrete offers a superior cost effective method. Consequently, the method was adopted for constructing a large portion of injector tunnels, namely the Linear Accelerator (LINAC), the Low Energy Booster (LEB), part of the Medium Energy Booster (MEB), and the Test Beam Facility of the Collider ring. Typical tunnel sections are cast-in-place reinforced concrete box-culvert structures at approximately 18 feet (5.49 m) below existing grade and 32 feet (9.76 m) below finished berm level. The overall success of the cut and cover construction requires the cooperation of concrete suppliers, contractors, design personnel, and construction management. Benefits from the cut and cover method can be gained if the construction schedule is attained within the budget constraints.

Subject Headings: Tunnels | Construction methods | Concrete construction | Reinforced concrete | Structure reinforcement | Light (artificial) | Culverts

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