Construction on the first of five ventilation shafts is underway as part of the ongoing HS2 project
29th July 2021
Tunnel-boring machines are currently constructing two 10-mile tunnels, that will link to the Chalfont St Peter shaft. The two machines are currently on-track to reach this shaft next year, before being topped with a headhouse designed to look like a local barn.
Once the two tunnel-boring machines have passed through, internal vent shaft structures, basement works and equipment installation will begin. Main contractors will be supported by consulting engineers, architects and landscape designers, across the various stages of this huge collaborative project.
For the current shaft, a drilling rig excavated the walls, before concrete was poured to form each of the 16 wall panels. Now, the walls are complete, the team are excavating the chalk from inside the shaft to reveal the full depth of the structure.
RVT have provided two Ventex® Centrifugal Fan 800S to sub-contractors on the project, ensuring high volumes of ventilation throughout the shaft, whilst works continue below ground level. Designed to move up to 52,200 m3/ hr free air, the steady airflow provides reliable, forced ventilation even when working deep underground.
The continuous high pressure of the fan can be used to extract hazardous substances and protect workers in the local area. When works will see 18,000 m3 of excavated materials, including chalk, maintaining air quality remains a top priority.
When works are complete, the shaft will reach 78-metres deep and act as access points for the emergency services. The shaft will also continue to service the HS2 network with fans and other air quality and temperature regulating equipment.
For more information about the VENTEX® Centrifugal Fan 800S, please click here.
To read the BBC report, please click here.
To read the Construction Index article, please click here.
Photos featured on this page are courtesy of BBC and HS2.
