Special construction techniques are being used for the construction of a new rail tunnel in the center of Brussels. Commissioned by CEI – De Meyer, Holmatro supplied a PLC-controlled hydraulic Synchronized Positioning System.
This is the first time that Holmatro is combining high-pressure hydraulics with digital control. The software and the control (Siemens Simatic HMI – Human Machine Interface) deliver intuitive configuration and an extremely safe working method. The operation is controlled from a central location and can be viewed live on the monitor. Feedback from multiple sensors in the system is immediately converted into extremely accurate control of the Quatro pumps and subsequently the aluminum cylinders. The mobile pump units can also be operated separately and manually if necessary or desired. Besides the basic functionalities of positioning, aligning, lifting, lowering and weighing, the system is suitable for tilting applications and it is also possible to work with step cylinders instead of standard cylinders.
The Holmatro Synchronized Positioning System jacks the heaviest loads with a controlled accuracy of 1 millimeter. Weight distribution is not a factor that must be taken into account. The synchronized and therefore extremely balanced positioning mean that almost no internal stresses are caused in the load. This is an important aspect in the construction of the new Schuman-Josaphat rail tunnel in Brussels.
CEI – De Meyer, a subsidiary of the Koninklijke BAM Group and responsible for a number of activities, including placement of 26 concrete tunnel elements, had to make a choice – manual or computerized? The company already possesses the jacking know-how. Working completely manually is time-consuming and less accurate, which is why a computer-controlled system was preferred. Preconditions for this were that the system must be flexibly deployable and that it must still be functional after this project, in view of the investment made. After the required preliminary study, Holmatro was awarded the assignment to develop and deliver a complete, computer-controlled system. During the development process, the Holmatro engineers worked closely with the jacking specialists of CEI de Meyer in order to produce this completely customized solution.
