A recently completed project was the Eastlink project in Melbourne, where VMT provided multiple guidance systems on roadheaders, excavators and rockbolting machines.

The company is currently supplying eight roadheader guidance systems and two large diameter TBM guidance systems for works on the North South Bypass tunnel in Brisbane. Further to this another roadheader guidance system is being used on the Boggo Road busway tunnel which is also in Brisbane.

The hardrock TBM currently constructing the tunnels for a hydro electric power station in the Kiewa valley is also utilising VMT guidance technology.

In the smaller diameter tunnelling market in Australia, VMT currently has two guidance systems on small diameter TBMs, constructing both the intake and outfall tunnels for the Gold Coast Desalination Plant. Also, in association with this project, VMT has already used its extended distance and curved pipe jacking guidance system on the pipeline that transfers the desalinated water from the plant to the reservoir and distribution system.

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In the coming months of 2008, VMT equipment will be being used on several other projects including:

* April 2008 – Use of an SLS-LT system by McConnell Dowell and the introduction of an SLS-SL system to the TBM on the Sydney Desalination project. * May 2008 – An SLS-SL system will be used on the TBM for the Melbourne Northern Sewer project and a further SLS-SL system will be being utilised on the Sydney Desalination project. * June 2008 – On the Melbourne Northern Sewer project an additional SLS-SL will be working. * July 2008 – McConnell Dowell will be utilising an SLS-LT system. * August 2008 – McConnell Dowell will be utilising a further SLS-LT system.

Project work on the Sydney Desalination comprises utilisation of two small diameter, segmentally lined intake and outfall tunnels plus three pipe jacking machines for use on the installation of the associated pipeline network.

The desalination plant itself will be powered totally by renewable energy and will produce some 250 million litres of water per day.

For the Northern Sewer project in Melbourne, VMT will supply two guidance systems for small diameter segmentally lined tunnels. Work has already been completed to measure the moulds that will be used to make the segments at the Korean Mould company in Korea.

To support and expand the increasing use of VMT guidance and navigation systems across Australia a new company, VMT Tunnel Guidance Pty Ltd, has been established. Whilst giving domestic Australian companies a local source of equipment and expertise, the new company will be working very closely with VMT in Germany to ensure that the guidance and navigation needs of the Australian tunnelling market are fully met.

For those wishing to know more about the company’s systems, VMT will be exhibiting at the 7th National ASTT Conference and Exhibition in Sydney between 2-5 March, on stand 20. Furthermore, Alex Seilert will be presenting a paper at the event on the Monday morning covering VMT’s guidance systems for pipe jacking.