AT - Pipe Umbrella System

2
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 3
Fields of Application ..................................................................................................... 4
Main Advantages .......................................................................................................... 4
System Description....................................................................................................... 5
System Components..................................................................................................... 5
Specifications................................................................................................................ 6
Technical Features ........................................................................................................ 7
AT - Drilling System....................................................................................................... 7
AT - Pipe Couplings ...................................................................................................... 8
Installation Procedure ................................................................................................. 10
AT - Pipe Umbrella Automation Unit........................................................................... 11
Accessories................................................................................................................. 14
Further References ..................................................................................................... 14

Introduction
The AT - Pipe Umbrella System is a
pre-support measure used in weak
ground conditions in conventional as
well as mechanized Tunneling. Pipe
umbrella pipes increase the stability in
the working area by transferring loads in
the longitudinal direction and decrease
excavation induced deformations.
The system increases safety in the
working area.

Beside this standard usage, the system

is often applied to increase stability in
portal sections and for the re-excavation
of collapsed sections in underground
construction. Another application area is
ground improvement and waterproofing
in combination with all tunnel construction
methods.

3
Fields of Application
■■ Advances in weak ground and ground ■■ Advances in sediments or talus ■■ Re-excavation of collapsed drifts
conditions prone to subsidence ■■ Portal sections or tunnels
■■ Advances in alpine fault zones ■■ Advances in frequently changing ground ■■ Urban Tunneling
conditions

Cross section when excavating under an AT - Pipe Umbrella Single AT - Pipe Umbrella

Single AT - Pipe Umbrella with double overlap Double AT - Pipe Umbrella

Main Advantages
■■ Installation with conventional
drill jumbos
■■ Execution of pipe umbrella drilling
with on-site personnel
■■ Simple and robust system
components
■■ Fast self-drilling installation
■■ Smallest possible stress relaxation
due to an immediate support of the
borehole wall during installation
■■ Accurate installation due to a
minimized annular gap
■■ Length of pipe umbrella pipes can be
adapted to constricted space
■■ Different pipe coupling types available
to suit different project requirements

4
System Description
The AT - Pipe Umbrella System is installed

■■ Using the overburden drilling method

■■ Piecewise
■■ With conventional drill booms
■■ By hydraulic, rotary-percussive drilling

Cooling, flushing, and back-flow of the

cutting takes place inside the casing
pipes using water.

System Components
■■ AT - Starter Unit with Drill Bit
■■ AT - Extension Tube
■■ Valves in injection holes
■■ Various AT - Adapters
■■ Drill Rods
■■ AT - Grouting Plug (End Plug)

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Specifications 1)
Maximum
Steel Modulus of Yield Outer Wall Standard Moment of Section
System Weight moment
grade elasticity strength diameter thickness tube length inertia modulus
(elastic)
Type 2) [N/mm2] [N/mm2] [mm] [mm] [kg/m] [m] [cm4] [cm3] [kNm]
AT - 76 76.1 6.3 10.8 3.0 85 22 7.9
AT - 89 88.9 6.3 12.8 3.0 140 31 11.2
AT - 114 E355 210,000 355 114.3 6.3 16.8 3.0 312 54 19.4
AT - 139 139.7 8.0 26.0 3.0 720 103 36.6
AT - 168 168.0 12.5 48.0 2.0 1,860 221 78.5

1) Deviating structural properties are available on request

2) According to EN 10296-1

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Technical Features
■■ Quick length adjustment of the
AT - Pipe Umbrella System facilitated
by piecewise installation
■■ Simple connection of extension tubes
even in restricted space
■■ High drilling accuracy of pipe
umbrella drills
■■ Special pipe coupling types for ■■ Application of preventers possible
different static requirements ■■ Recording and control of the grouting
■■ The use of the AT - Pipe Umbrella process using a flow-pressure meter
Automation Unit increases the drilling
progress, minimizes over-excavation
(saw tooth profile), and increases
personnel safety

AT - Drilling System
The drilling energy is transferred via
drill rods and an inside adapter onto
the single-use drill bit of the AT - Starter
Unit. The cooling and flushing medium is
immediately transported from the drill bit
front backward inside the umbrella pipes.
After completion of the installation, the
single-use drill bit remains at the toe of
the borehole; adapter and drill rods are
removed and re-used for consecutive
pipe installations.

■■ Loss or blocking of a drill bit is

impossible because it is fixed
within the starter unit
■■ A single-use drill bit ensures the same
high quality for each drilling process
■■ Application of a single-use drill bit
provides optimum pre-conditions to
achieve the total drilling depth every
time
■■ The drill bit type can be adapted to
given geological conditions
■■ Stable drilling direction due to stable
drill bit orientation
■■ Disconnecting and reconnecting of
drill rods is possible at any time
■■ Small overcutting ensures the lowest
possible stress relaxation

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AT - Pipe Couplings
The AT - Pipe Umbrella System is installed
with conventional drilling machines.
Single pipes are installed piecewise at a
length that fits the drill boom length.
Type and quality of the pipe coupling For this reason, three different types of
are decisive factors for the maximum couplings are available for the AT - Pipe
achievable load-bearing capacity of the Umbrella System.
support system.

Standard Thread Connection

When using a standard thread connection, an outside and inside This connection type can be recommended for the installation
thread is cut into the ends of the pipe umbrella pipes. This type of of measurement instrumentations and for ground-improving
coupling reduces the cross-section of the pipe at the area of the injection works.
thread connection. Thereby, the section modulus is decreased
as well. Besides the geometrical conditions of the thread, the
overall quality of the pipes is a major concern for the maximum
load-bearing capacity. In general, calibrated tubes reach a higher
resistance against bending than non-calibrated ones.

■■ Simplest connection type

■■ Installed tubes show a constant inner diameter
■■ The stiffness of the connection is considerably lower than
the stiffness of the standard pipes
■■ The rupture load of the connections is comparable to the
design load of standard pipes; it is clearly lower for
non-calibrated tubes
■■ Further decrease of the load-bearing capacity if mistakes
occur during screwing or grouting of the pipes
■■ A lower load-bearing capacity can only be compensated by
a higher number of pipes
■■ Dislocation of the coupling positions in the longitudinal
direction does not increase the load-bearing capacity
■■ Installation can be accomplished with or without an
AT - Pipe Umbrella Automation Unit

Squeezed Connection
A squeezed connection consists of a reduced pipe end which is Usage of this connection type can be recommended for all
force-fitted with its counter piece. In the coupling area, the cross advances where a pipe umbrella is installed because of its
section stays constant and the section modulus is decreased. static load-bearing capacity.

■■ The ultimate load of this connection is higher than the elastic

design load of a normal pipe (> 1.5)
■■ Transition from elastic to plastic material behavior begins at
approximately ¾ of the elastic design load (standard pipe)
■■ Reduction of the inner diameter in the connection area
■■ Reduction of the stiffness against bending in the connection
area
■■ Installation can only be accomplished with an AT - Pipe
Umbrella Automation Unit incorporating a squeezing unit

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 AT - Pipe Couplings
Nipple Coupling
Nipple couplings are an additional steel nipple where a thread Usage of this connection type can be recommended for advances
connection is pressed and welded into both ends of the extension where the static load-bearing capacity is required to achieve stable
tubes. This ensures that the section modulus at the coupling is conditions and settlement limitations are part of the design.
never lower than the section modulus of the standard pipe.

■■ The elastic design load is equal to the one of a

standard pipe
■■ Stiffness in the elastic range is comparable to the one
of a standard pipe
■■ Reduction of the inner cross-section
■■ Installation can be accomplished with or without an
AT - Pipe Umbrella Automation Unit

200

180

160

140

120
Elastic Design
Load [kN]

Load
100

80

60

40

20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Deflection [mm]
Standard Pipe
Standard Thread Connection
Squeezed Connection
Nipple Coupling
Elastic Material Behavior (analytic)
Plastic Material Behavior (analytic, bi-linear material characteristics)

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Installation Procedure

1. For drilling, the AT - Starter Unit with drill bit is assembled 2. Installation of the first AT - Extension Tube
together with the first AT - Extension Tube, the AT - Adapter,
and the drill rod onto the drill boom

3. The next drill rod with AT - Extension Tube is connected 4. The last step shall be repeated until the designed length of the
to the previously installed pipe and the drilling process is AT - Pipe Umbrella has been installed
continued afterwards

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AT - Pipe Umbrella Automation Unit
The AT - Pipe Umbrella Automation Unit
allows automated feeding, screwing, and
installation of extension tubes plus
drill rods.

Main Advantages
■■ Shorter manipulation times due to
exact and automated feeding
■■ Faster construction of a pipe umbrella
support system
■■ Higher occupational safety
■■ No handling besides moving parts of
the drilling machine
■■ Simple re-charging of extension tubes
via a loading basket
■■ Remote-controlled feeding of tubes
■■ Less manpower required
■■ Optimum utilization of the working
space
■■ Smaller saw-tooth shaped profile and
thereby less excavation volume

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Assembly groups

Screwing unit and centering/clamping device Central guiding device

Loading device and pipe feeding system

Electric switch case

Remote control

Hydraulic control box Pipe deposition

Specifications

Dimensions
Characteristics / Assembly group Weight [kg]
(L x B x H) [mm]
Pipe deposition 1,040 x 230 x 350 28
Screwing unit and centering / clamping device 1,165 x 360 x 745 160
Loading device and pipe feeding system 3,485 x 350 x 565 160
Central guiding device 155 x 190 x 220 12
Hydraulic control box 550 x 275 x 345 60
Electric switch case 380 x 600 x 350 35
Remote control 250 x 140 x 180 2.3

Characteristics Unit Value Remark

Deviations possible,
Total weight (gross) [kg] 460 - 490
depending on the type
Electric supply [V] 24 DC
Hydraulic supply [L/min] 20 At approx. 170 [bar]

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Assembly groups

Central guiding
Screwing unit and centering/clamping device device Hydraulic rock drill

AT - Starter Unit with drill bit

Drill boom

Foundation ground

Pipe deposition with AT - Extension Tube

and drill rod

Loading device and pipe feeding system with AT - Extension Tube and
Hydraulic control box drill rod

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Accessories
■■ Flow-Pressure meter ■■ Mortar-Mixing pump ■■ Drill rod wrench
■■ Injection packer ■■ DYWI® Inject Systems ■■ Chain pipe wrench
■■ Fishing tab ■■ Rock drilling equipment: shank adapter,
coupling, and coupling adapter

Further References
■■ Volkmann, G.M. & W. Schubert 2007.
“Geotechnical Model for Pipe Roof
Supports in Tunneling.” In Proc. of
the 33rd ITA-AITES World Tunneling
Congress, Underground Space -
the 4th Dimension of Metropolises,
Volume 1. eds. J. Bartak, I. Hrdina,
G. Romancov, J. Zlamal, Prague,
Czech Republic, 5-10 May 2007,
Taylor & Francis Group, ISDN:
978-0- 415-40802. app. 755-760
■■ Volkmann G.M. & Schubert W. 2008.
Tender Document Specifications for
Pipe Umbrella Installation Methods.
In proceedings of the 34th ITA-AITES
World Tunneling Congress, Agra, India,
22-24 September 2008, pp. 285-293
■■ AT - Pipe Umbrella Geometry
Calculator
■■ Installation Manual for the
AT - Pipe Umbrella System

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