Crane lowering tunneling equipment into a circular excavation shaft at an urban microtunneling construction site.

Case Studies

Cottonwood & Hackberry Creek WW Interceptor Improvements

Project Details

Project Name: Cottonwood & Hackberry Creek WW Interceptor Improvements
General Contractor: Super Excavators, Inc. - Menomonee Falls, WI
Location: Irving, TX
Ground Conditions: Clay
Akkerman Equipment: SL60C MTBM System, AZ-100 Guidance System, Lube & Jacking Can, ABIS, MT-K Jacking System
Pipe: 60-in. Hobas™ FRP - Jacking Pipe
Total Length/Hard Rock Section: 2,115-lf. curved (longest) / 4,670-lf (total project) - 7 drives

Project Overview

Super Excavators, Inc. optimized the microtunnel installation by replacing several shorter tunnel drives with the introduction of a 2,115-LF curved alignment. The curved alignment was continually monitored by the Akkerman AZ- 100 guidance system and the exceptional crews successfully completed the long drive on-target with low thrust requirements.

Challenges

Originally planned with multiple short drives, which would have increased setup time and project duration
Required maintaining line and grade over an extended curved alignment
Clay ground conditions demanded consistent performance to minimize downtime and jacking forces
Navigating a 2,115-LF drive—the longest of seven total drives—required precise control and monitoring

Solution

Super Excavators, Inc. optimized the plan by replacing several short drives with a single 2,115-LF curved alignment
Utilized the Akkerman SL60C MTBM System with the AZ-100 Guidance System to accurately navigate the curve
Integrated Lube & Jacking Can, ABIS, and MT-K Jacking System to maintain low thrust and high efficiency
The AZ-100 system provided continuous monitoring, enabling crews to stay on target throughout the long drive

Outcome

Successfully completed the 2,115-LF curved drive with precise accuracy
Crews maintained alignment and grade throughout all seven drives, totaling 4,670 LF
Low thrust requirements and efficient jacking reduced wear on equipment and minimized delays
Project demonstrated the value of combining experienced crews with advanced Akkerman guidance and microtunneling systems
The streamlined drive plan led to time and cost savings while maintaining high performance