The Miniaturization of Diaphragm Wall Technique â€“ the CUBE System-Video

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Video Summary

The presentation introduces the Cube system, a miniaturized diaphragm-wall cutter designed for confined spaces where conventional equipment cannot operate, such as tunnels, urban sites, and areas beneath bridges. It responds to the safety, access, and productivity challenges of earlier methods, including hand excavation.<br /><br />The system fits into three 20-foot high-cube containers and is assembled underground. Its cutter is split into upper and lower sections, connected mechanically at the trench; auxiliary equipment supports reinforcement placement and concreting. The standard diaphragm-wall sequence remains largely unchanged, using primary and secondary panels.<br /><br />Yard tests installed seven panels and demonstrated excavation to 42 metres. Primary-panel penetration rates were 15–25 cm per minute, comparable to standard cutters; the system also successfully tested rock-embankment cutting and panel overcut. Assembly took about 15 minutes. Reinforcement and concreting, rather than excavation, were the main time-consuming steps. The system is not intended for high production, but offers a solution for projects with severe space constraints.

Keywords

Cube system

diaphragm wall cutter

confined spaces

urban construction

tunnel excavation