Excavator working beside microtunneling equipment in a large excavation area for a trenchless construction project.

Case Studies

I-76 PTC Beaver River Bridge Reconstruction

Project Details

Project Name: I-76 PTC Beaver River Bridge Reconstruction
General Contractor: Capitol Tunneling Inc. - Columbus, OH
Location: Beaver County, PA
Ground Conditions: Ground shifted from clayey sand with gravel to sandstone (UCS: 2,594-8,390 PSI)
Akkerman Equipment: WM720-II TBM with rock DCH, 5200 Pipejaking System, 1548 Haul System, Tunnel Laser Guidance
Pipe: 72-in RinkerTM Class V RCP - Jacking Pipe
Total Length/Hard Rock Section: 280-lf w/ depths to 30-ft

Project Overview

This 280-LF long tunnel installation was required for a sewer relocation provision by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission as part of a roadway and bridge reconstruction project in Beaver County, PA. Capitol Tunneling used an Akkerman TBM with a rock DCH fitted with 11.5-in single-disc cutters to navigate the crossing.

Challenges

Tunnel required for a sewer relocation as part of a major bridge and roadway reconstruction project
Variable ground conditions shifted from clayey sand with gravel to high-strength sandstone (UCS: 2,594–8,390 PSI)
Project depth reached up to 30 feet, increasing the need for precise alignment and stable operation
Demanding geological transition required equipment capable of handling both soft and hard ground efficiently

Solution

Capitol Tunneling Inc. utilized an Akkerman WM720-II TBM equipped with a Rock DCH and 11.5-in single-disc cutters to handle the sandstone
Paired with the 5200 Pipejacking System, 1548 Haul System, and Tunnel Laser Guidance to maintain accuracy and control throughout the 280-LF tunnel
Equipment combination allowed for seamless transition through mixed ground while maintaining productivity
Robust setup ensured alignment precision at depths up to 30 feet with minimal disruption to surrounding infrastructure

Outcome

Successfully completed the 280-LF sewer relocation tunnel as part of the I-76 bridge reconstruction
Akkerman equipment delivered precise alignment and efficient performance across varied ground conditions
Handled transition from soft soils to highstrength sandstone with minimal delays
Project met Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission requirements with a reliable and timely installation
Demonstrated the versatility and power of the WM720-II system in complex infrastructure environments