[6754] VSE Edmundo Lins – Metrô Linha 4 Amarela

Diaphragm walls are known as underground structural elements commonly used for retention systems and permanent foundation walls or elements. It can be anticipated that, with the increasing trend of utilizing more and more underground space to accommodate environmental considerations and urban/suburban development, there will be an increasing requirement for diaphragm walling in even more difficult conditions. This paper is focusing on a project which is part of the line 4 Amerela extension in Sao Paulo, Brasil. It is actually one of the most important investments in public transport of the government in Sao Paulo region. The extension connects the southwest with the center of the city, crossing other important lines and station which are in operation. Due to the geology, especially with the presence of hard rock Granite, for the excavation of the diaphragm wall the use of trench cutter became mandatory. Approx. 2.500 m³ of rock needed to be excavated during the project. The paper/presentation will describe the construction method and the sequence of activities required for the construction of this diaphragm walls using this trench cutter system. It will describe also the main equipment which will be needed to execute these.