Main engineering problems and countermeasures in ultra-long-distance rock pipe jacking project: water pipeline case study in Chongqing

Abstract

This paper summarises the main technical problems that have been encountered in the Chongqing Guanjingkou Water Conservancy Project, which is the first ultra-long-distance rock pipe jacking (PJ) project in China’s water conservancy industry. These challenges include pipe sticking, pipe cracking, and jacking machine cutter head sticking. Geological conditions, bentonite mud, sediment, intermediate jacking station, pipe production, and pipe misalignment in the ultra-long-distance rock PJ project were analysed in detail. Based on the analysis, countermeasures were formulated and implemented into the Guanjingkou Hydraulic Project. The research results are anticipated to be advantageous for future ultra-long-distance rock PJ projects.