RISKY BUSINESS / PROBLEM SOLVED

Mammoet, of global recognition for its innovative solutions to high-stakes obstacles, successfully completed the rescue of the world's largest tunnel boring machine from120ft. below ground. 

"Catherine Bassetti's photography provided us with outstanding documentation of our role in this special project for both our case studies and project videos"   - Theo Kroese, Director of Marketing and Communications, Mammoet, NL
“Catherine Bassetti’s photography provided us with outstanding documentation of our role in this special project for both our case studies and project videos.”
— Theo Kroese, Director of Marketing and Communications, Mammoet, NL

(Below) Case study and video production by MAMMOET

In 2013, the world's largest tunnel boring machine, Bertha, was compromised while digging a road tunnel under the city of Seattle. Mammoet came to the rescue. Working on a constricted site, over a extraction pit, the 2000-ton cutter head was lifted out, repaired and replaced using a unique 'self-balancing' tower gantry.

While the access shaft was being excavated, Mammoet completed the gantry tower and skid base. On March 30th, 2015, the tower gantry raised the damaged cutter drive unit from the shaft in a precision-controlled lift. Using adjustable lifting points to change the lifting position, Mammoet turned the suspended cutter drive unit 90 degrees and installed it onto the repair saddles in a total of 16 hours. 

Mammoet, HItachi and Seattle Tunnel Partners' crews after the successful 16-hour lift of TBM (Bertha) Center Drive Unit.

Mammoet, HItachi and Seattle Tunnel Partners' crews after the successful 16-hour lift of TBM (Bertha) Center Drive Unit.