PERFORMANCE OF FULL FACERS ON KIELDER TUNNELS.

Up to the end of February 1977 a total of 6. 8 km of the 28 km long Derwent-Wear-Tees Tunnels which form part of the transfer works of the Northumbrian Water Authority's Kielder Water Scheme, had been driven. Three headings are being driven using full face tunneling machines, two of which are Demag machines of 3. 5 m diam and the other a Robbins of 3. 55 diam. The remaining heading at Derwent is at present being driven by drill and blast for the first 650 m, after which it is intended to introduce one of the Demag machines. The article discusses the machines, the geology of the area, driving progress, penetration rates, and other aspects of the project.