TBM SHIELD CRADLE PUSH BEAM EXTENSION

Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion (HRBT)

SUMMARY

Concrete elements to be precast blocks or in situ.
Steel members for the rail supports: W 14x193
Steel members for the cradle structure: HP 12x89
1Steel members for the lateral supports: W 8x35

The I-64 Roads Bridge-Tunnel in southeastern Virginia, between the cities of Hampton and Norfolk, has long been one of the most congested corridors of the region. The existing 3.5-mile facility consists of two, 2-lane immersed tube tunnels on artificial islands with trestle bridges to shore. These tunnels opened in 1957 (current westbound lanes) and 1976 (eastbound lanes) and are approximately 7,500 feet long.

The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) Expansion Project will ease this congestion by widening the 4-lane segments of the I-64 corridor in the cities of Hampton and Norfolk.

As part of the HRBT Expansion Project and included within the temporary works needed on the South Island, Hampton Roads Connector Partners (HRPC) asked AZIERTA for a design of a push beam extension for the TBM shield cradle. This push beam extension is needed for barriers operations of the shield.