Cut and cover construction of subway with utility chamber and air

Abstract

The invention relates to forming spaced apart pits along the outer edges of the subway site which can be immediately covered with steel plates to permit normal traffic flow. The plates are removed and soldier beams placed at spaced positions in each pit. As excavation proceeds timber lagging is inserted between the soldier beams. When the excavation is made between the soldier beams, timber bracing and caps are installed across the tops of the soldier beams to receive the precast decking. Further soldier beams are then driven between the aforementioned soldier beams after the decking and bracing are removed. Excavation then can be made to permit construction of concrete walls along said further soldier beams longitudinally to comprise the outermost edges thereof. Sewer and gas mains are then laid along the concrete walls of either or both of them, optionally, but preferably exterior thereof to permit ready connection to dwellings or buildings. Trenches are formed laterally of the subway site at spaced apart locations to receive decking beams which are covered by concrete decking as excavation proceeds. The concrete decking is removed when sufficient trenches have been made to erect the steel decking beams. The concrete decking is then placed on the decking beam supports. Portions of the concrete decking are to be made removable, when street traffic permits, to permit completion of excavation and provide access for construction materials.