ALTRAD RMD KWIKFORM LAUNCHES REVOLUTIONARY Tubeshor Active Thermal Compensator

Above and below ground temporary works specialist, Altrad RMD Kwikform, has launched a ground breaking new solution to reduce the effects of thermal loading – the Tubeshor Active Thermal Compensator (ATC).

The Tubeshor hybrid hydraulic shoring system is used for propping waler beams or capping beams of large excavations. It comes in a range of diameters to cater for all duties of shoring requirement. An evolution of Tubeshor, the ATC is a revolutionary patent protected Tubeshor accessory that can reduce thermal loading by up to 90% compared to a mechanically locked off prop.

Prop installation and pre-loading on site is carried out in the same way as for any standard proprietary prop, so no special operative skills are needed. What’s more, as Tubeshor ATC Units are assembled directly into the prop makeup, standard prop end-fittings such as Swivel Units and Spherical Bearers can be used, and props can be installed into the excavation in the usual manner.

The Tubeshor ATC contains a 450 tonne hydraulic cylinder coupled to a bladder accumulator which is pressurised to suit the individual prop design geo-load before dispatch. Most of the time, the pressure in the accumulator exceeds that in the hydraulic system and normal prop stiffness results.

When higher temperature forces excessive prop thermal expansion, the compressed nitrogen in the accumulator comes into play and results in a phase of reduced prop stiffness. This means that a further increase in prop length resulting from thermal expansion does not result in the usual increase in prop load.

Ian Fryer, Global Product Innovation Director at Altrad RMD Kwikform, explains: “Once the props have been installed, their confined nature means that temperature changes bring about changes in the axial prop load with axial loads increasing as temperatures rise and decreasing as they fall.

“Historically design for thermal loading has not been such an issue in the UK due to the relatively even climate. However, Consulting Engineers are now interpreting industry standards differently, meaning an increased contribution from solar gain also has to be taken into account, which, when combined with seasonal and daily variations can produce a design thermal range in excess of 35 ̊C.

“Using this temperature range, thermal loading can account for 50% of the axial load capacity of the props, so half of the steel in the excavation is there purely to take account of thermal loading. The resulting need for larger or more props can sap scheme efficiency, push up the equipment cost, and take up valuable excavation space.

“What’s more, installation may require heavier plant and more labour to assemble the equipment, incur greater costs for transportation and result in a larger carbon footprint. Our revolutionary new Tubeshor Active Thermal Compensator helps to mitigate these factors, reducing thermal loading by up to 90% compared to a mechanically locked off prop, while offering a raft of additional benefits.”

Key features and benefits

Reduction in props: Up to 90% reduction in thermal loading reduces prop loads, enables less and/or smaller props with wider prop spacings.
Reduced cost: With less space taken up within the excavation, savings can be made on equipment, labour, transport, and plant cost, as smaller plant can be used to install and remove the equipment.
More economical permanent works design: Loads imposed on the permanent wall from the temporary props are reduced, enabling a lower cost wall design using less material and potentially reduce the volume of excavated soil, reducing project cost, and further decreasing the carbon footprint.
Quick and easy installation and use: Prop installation and pre-loading on site is carried out in the same way as for any standard proprietary prop, so no special operative skills are needed with quick installation.
Autonomous mitigation: Mitigation of thermal load is autonomous with no need for external pumps or electrical power, which reduces complexity, the chance of malfunction and improves on-site safety.
Innovative monitoring: The prop load can be read by direct inspection on site, with the option to use e-Pins and Wireless Nodes to provide continuous prop load monitoring and data logging via a smartphone, tablet or laptop offering total peace of mind.
Inherently safe: Tubeshor ATC is CE certified and compliant with the European Pressure Directive.
Reduced CO2: Less material, transport, waste & smaller plant, lowers carbon footprint.