Water Saving Program

During mechanized tunnelling with Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) Tunnel Boring Machines, water plays a crucial role in several operational processes. One of the most water-intensive activities is soil conditioning particularly when dealing with cohesive soil formations.

So, how can we transform this scenario and significantly cut down on water usage?

Introducing a new approach to soil conditioning: Mapei ECO WSP (Water Saving Program), a comprehensive range of products tailored for various soil types. These advanced conditioning agents are specifically engineered to minimize water consumption during EPB tunnelling while maintaining optimal machine performance.

Key Innovations

- Efficient Soil Conditioning with Reduced Water Injection Ratio (WIR)
Achieves excellent conditioning results, especially in cohesive soils, with up to 20% lower WIR compared to traditional foaming agents.

- Operational and Environmental Benefits
Lower water usage translates to cost savings for contractors, clients, and stakeholders, as well as reduced operational demands on the TBM’s hydraulic systems.

- Eco-Friendly Formulations
ECO WSP products are designed with low toxicity and high biodegradability, significantly reducing the environmental impact of conditioned soil.

Why Reducing Water Use Matters

Saving thousands of cubic meters of water per project is not just a technical win—it’s a strategic advantage. Reduced hydraulic demand enhances TBM performance, especially in locations where water supply is limited or logistically challenging.

By decreasing water and truck transport needs, CO₂ emissions are significantly reduced, contributing to the overall sustainability of the tunnelling process.

Reduced water consumption brings numerous technical, economic, and environmental advantages paving the way for a more sustainable future in tunnel construction.