A self-supporting reinforcement system for the concrete lining of the inner shell of a tunnel construction. At least one object is that of supporting the outer shell or rock wall of a tunnel construction. According to an embodiment of the invention, this is achieved by tension brackets or tension rings, formed from one or more bracket segments made of individual reinforcing steel bars. M-shaped tensioning support bodies having a connecting region to the tension brackets, and support arms for the supporting bracing, establishing the spacing with respect to an outer shell or rock wall, of the bracket and spacers on the tensioning support bodies and between the outer layer and an inner layer of the reinforcement.

An underground support system having an underground reinforcement system that is at least partially encapsulated with concrete or a cement material. The underground reinforcement system includes a flexible wire mesh having a matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending metal wires. The matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending metal wires has at least one three-dimensional sheet, each sheet having at least one raised corrugation, positioned along the length of an underground space. The raised corrugation acts as a template depth girder for application of concrete or cement material at a defined depth such that the underground reinforcement system is at least partially encapsulated with the concrete or cement material.

An underground support system having an underground reinforcement system that is at least partially encapsulated with concrete or a cement material. The underground reinforcement system includes a flexible wire mesh having a matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending metal wires. The matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending metal wires has at least one three-dimensional sheet, each sheet having at least one raised corrugation, positioned along the length of an underground space. The raised corrugation acts as a template depth girder for application of concrete or cement material at a defined depth such that the underground reinforcement system is at least partially encapsulated with the concrete or cement material.

A tunnel reinforcement system having a plurality of structural supports positioned at spaced intervals along the length of a tunnel. Each structural support has a plurality of structural segments connected in an end to end relationship. Each structural segment has a plurality of bars connected to a first end and a second end, in which the first end comprises a first butt plate having one or more apertures, and the second end comprises a second butt plate having one or more apertures. The one or more apertures of the first butt plate or the second butt plate of a structural segment are coaxially aligned with the one or more apertures of the first butt plate or the second butt plate of another structural segment in an end to end relationship. The first butt plate or the second butt plate of a structural segment is attachable to the first butt plate or the second butt plate of another structural segment in an end to end relationship. Each structural support defines a geometric supporting framework.

A tunnel reinforcement system having a plurality of structural supports positioned at spaced intervals along the length of a tunnel. Each structural support has a plurality of structural segments connected in an end to end relationship. Each structural segment has a plurality of bars connected to a first end and a second end, in which the first end comprises a first butt plate having one or more apertures, and the second end comprises a second butt plate having one or more apertures. The one or more apertures of the first butt plate or the second butt plate of a structural segment are coaxially aligned with the one or more apertures of the first butt plate or the second butt plate of another structural segment in an end to end relationship. The first butt plate or the second butt plate of a structural segment is attachable to the first butt plate or the second butt plate of another structural segment in an end to end relationship. Each structural support defines a geometric supporting framework.

The Helical segmental lining is an invention in tunneling industry wherein segments are designed in helical shape that are connected by interlocking system. The proposed helical tunnel lining method allows for segment erection and excavation to be completed concurrently and continuously by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) which will result in increasing the tunneling speed. The segments have tongue projection on the two trailing sides (circumferential and radial) and similar groove recess in the opposite two leading sides. This forms a tongue-and-groove joint at both circumferential and radial joints. The system allows for optional post-tensioning (PT) strand to be inserted into the leading circumferential side of the segments. The optional PT strand is fitted into a continuous groove located at the leading circumferential side of the segments. The system has solutions for the alignment curves and turning of the helical segmental lining, sealing of the system as well as terminating the strand and beginning another due to limitation of the strand length. The method is eliminating bolt connection between segments and increase tunnel advancement rate. The system allows for using typical (identical) segments.

The Helical segmental lining is an invention in tunneling industry wherein segments are designed in helical shape that are connected by interlocking system. The proposed helical tunnel lining method allows for segment erection and excavation to be completed concurrently and continuously by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) which will result in increasing the tunneling speed. The segments have tongue projection on the two trailing sides (circumferential and radial) and similar groove recess in the opposite two leading sides. This forms a tongue-and-groove joint at both circumferential and radial joints. The system allows for optional post-tensioning (PT) strand to be inserted into the leading circumferential side of the segments. The optional PT strand is fitted into a continuous groove located at the leading circumferential side of the segments. The system has solutions for the alignment curves and turning of the helical segmental lining, sealing of the system as well as terminating the strand and beginning another due to limitation of the strand length. The method is eliminating bolt connection between segments and increase tunnel advancement rate. The system allows for using typical (identical) segments.

A tunnel system includes at least two adjacent tunnel lining systems and a sealing system. Moreover, the tunnel lining systems can include plural tunnel lining segments.

Concrete is formed by providing a wet layer of a first concrete 4, applying a second wet layer 6 of concrete on the first layer 4 of wet concrete and setting the layers 4 and 6 to provide a composite concrete structure, wherein at least one of the layers comprises, AACM (Alkali-Activated Cementitious Material). An ionic bond 2 is formed between the two layers. The AACM layer may comprise a reinforcement structure and cathodic protection.

A trailer of a backup train of a tunnel boring machine includes a rolling means configured to allow movement of the trailer on a circulation route, a chassis including a lower portion including the rolling means and an upper portion, opposite to the rolling means, conveying means, fixed in the lower portion of the chassis, the conveying means being configured to move at least one support along the trailer, the support being configured to transport at least one arch segment along the chassis.