Concrete was then deposited in the pockets, completely surrounding the
tubes, forming a solid monolithic structure from end to end.
This was done by means of the tremie process.
A 32-ft. by 160-ft. scow was equipped with a concrete mixing plant and
the tremie pipes, three in number, through which the concrete was
deposited. Each pipe is 12 ins. in diameter, of spiral riveted steel, 80
ft. long. These pipes could be raised or lowered, reaching from the
receiving hoppers on the scow to the bottom of the trench. When the
pipes were filled with concrete and lowered into position, a continuous
flow was maintained. As fast as the concrete escaped at the bottom end
of the pipe it was replenished at the top; this process continuing until
the entire space surrounding the section was filled to the desired
level, and under the pressure produced not only by the depth of water
under which it was submerged, but also by the weight of the long column
of concrete contained in the tubes. It is interesting to note that this
is the first time a large amount of concrete has been deposited at a
depth of 70 ft. by this method, and upon the accomplishment of this task
in a measure depended the successful building of the tunnel.
Inside the tubes was placed a lining of reinforced concrete 20 ins.
thick. Side walls were built up from this ring to provide ducts, which
carry the electrical cables for the distribution of power, lighting,
signal and telegraph wires. They also serve to provide a footwalk along
the side of the tunnel.
There are cross passages in the tunnel every 200 ft., and also various
niches for the different equipment needed in connection with the
signaling, telephone and fire alarm system. The tunnel is lighted with
800 16-candle-power incandescent lights.
The track construction is new. There is no ballast used, the ties being
laid in concrete. A ditch in the center of each track carries the
rainfall that will flow down from the summits to sumps which are drained
by centrifugal pumps.
One remarkable feature of its construction is that compressed air was
not used in the building of the subaqueous tunnel, but it was necessary
in building the approach tunnels. This is contrary to the usual program
where compressed air is required in subaqueous work, and not ordinarily
used in approach or land tunnel construction.
The trains are operated by very heavy electric locomotives, operated by
the third-rail system.
The tunnel was constructed under the supervision of W. S. Kinnear, Chief
Engineer of the Detroit River Tunnel Co.; Butler Bros. of New York were
the general contractors.
CHAPTER XXII.
ACCIDENTS AND REPAIRS IN TUNNELS DURING AND AFTER CONSTRUCTION.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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