Economic Microtunneling with HOBAS Jacking Pipes in Krakow
The installation of the first part of the Vistula Lower Route collector in Krakow was initiated in March 2008, the line going into service within the next months. This part of the project is realized by a consortium consisting of Hydrobudowa 9 &, PRG Metro. Microtunneling was chosen for mainly economic reasons. Since the planned pipeline route runs in 6 m depth nearby the Vistula River where water collects in layers of sand and gravel, the costs for dewatering and excavation works would have been considerably higher than for tunneling. The DTW consists of a 6.5 km pipeline of which 6 are installed by microtunneling. Once completed, it will connect two sewage systems, one of them being overloaded and one having reserves. Its function is to even out the flow to the treatment plants Kujawy and Płaszów during heavy rainfall ensuring their optimal operation. In addition to this, areas which currently use septic tanks will be connected to the new collector, preventing the soil from further contamination and improving the groundwater quality. Construction works for the collector are conducted in three stages and in two parts regarding contractors.