Apparatus for and a method of storing and transporting lining sections

Abstract

A tunnel driving installation has an advanceable support shield and cutting means co-operating at the front end of the tunnel and a continuous tunnel lining disposed rearwardly of the support shield and constructed from individual lining sections. In order to store and transport the tunnel lining sections within the tunnel lining apparatus is provided which comprises storage stations respectively located at the front and rear regions of the tunnel and a trolley vehicle for moving back and forth between the stations. The trolley vehicle has a container which serves to receive debris removed by the cutting means, and beneath the container the vehicle has shaped plates which serve to locate and support a series of lining sections. Both storage stations are composed of T-shaped rails laid on the tunnel floor so that the vehicle can pass over the rails. The rails of the rear station can be raised and lowered to effect transfer of the sections thereon to the plates of the vehicle whereas a lever or the like is provided at the front storage station to selectively cause the sections to slide along the plates of the vehicle onto the rails as the vehicle is moved. The front storage station moves up to follow the tunnelling progress and additional equipment is provided to take the lining sections from the front storage station and to place the sections in position to increase the length of the lining as the tunnelling progresses.