Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) Emergency Geo-Stabilization Support – Nov. 2024 – Virginia Beach, Virginia
Our team was engaged to support an emergency geo-stabilization effort on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), a 13-mile transportation corridor composed of a series of bridges and tunnels connecting Virginia Beach to the Eastern Shore. The project, which expands the capacity of U.S. Route 13, was nearing completion when a tunnel boring machine (TBM) encountered unstable ground conditions, halting progress on a critical segment of the tunnel.
Drawing on prior experience with sonic drilling operations at the CBBT site during earlier geotechnical investigations, our firm was selected to perform specialized drilling services in support of emergency pressure grouting operations. The purpose of this grouting was to stabilize the subsurface conditions ahead of the TBM, allowing for the safe continuation of tunnel excavation.
The emergency response scope included drilling multiple boreholes to depths of 70 to 75 feet and installing 3-inch diameter PVC casings for subsequent grout injection. Working under tight timelines and challenging site conditions, our field crews completed the drilling phase in just 18 days (five days ahead of schedule) allowing the overall project to resume critical tunneling operations without delay.
This project highlights our firm’s ability to mobilize quickly, deliver high-precision drilling solutions, and support essential infrastructure under emergency conditions.
Drawing on prior experience with sonic drilling operations at the CBBT site during earlier geotechnical investigations, our firm was selected to perform specialized drilling services in support of emergency pressure grouting operations. The purpose of this grouting was to stabilize the subsurface conditions ahead of the TBM, allowing for the safe continuation of tunnel excavation.
The emergency response scope included drilling multiple boreholes to depths of 70 to 75 feet and installing 3-inch diameter PVC casings for subsequent grout injection. Working under tight timelines and challenging site conditions, our field crews completed the drilling phase in just 18 days (five days ahead of schedule) allowing the overall project to resume critical tunneling operations without delay.
This project highlights our firm’s ability to mobilize quickly, deliver high-precision drilling solutions, and support essential infrastructure under emergency conditions.
