Suction dredge excavation of large canals with suspended sludge pipes used to place the earth in dumps

Conclusions

• 1. The technical parameters examined here for constructing, large canals by floating suction dredges with suspended sludge pipes in water-filled soils in areas difficult to traverse, taking into account a dry mass up to 10–15 m above, the water table, demonstrate that this canal driving method is promising.

• 2. The possibility of a deep echeloned arrangement on very long canals being excavated makes it possible to drive them quickly, using for this purpose the minimum number of erection bases.

• 3. The minimal excavation volumes in each driving stage in the canal substantially reduce the volumes of preparatory and attendant work. In particular, depending on the soil particle size, the work volumes for construction of the operation embankments amount to no less than 3–6% of basic work volume.

• 4. The construction—technical basis of suction dredges with suspended sludge pipes, which for all practical purposes eliminates the dependence on bank work, makes it possible to a considerable extent to increase the suction dredge efficiency because of a higher coefficient of utilization.

• 5. For reliable control of the general process of canal excavation and hydraulic-fill placement of the soils in the dump, it is necessary to maker provision for different lengths of the suspended sludge pipe, which can be achieved thanks to sectional construction.