Following the achievement in April 2024, when a single tunnel face at the Steung Meteuk II Hydropower Station in Cambodia surpassed a monthly excavation record of 200.8 meters, another milestone was reached in June 2024. The downstream tunnel face of Branch Tunnel No. 1 at Steung Meteuk II achieved a new record with an excavation progress of 219.7 meters in a single month. This marks a new high and writes another magnificent chapter in the history of our company's hydropower station construction.
The project team, closely adhering to the overall objectives, has focused on the diversion tunnel as a critical control project. They have overcome technical challenges such as complex geological conditions, frequent changes in rock types, and uneven rock hardness during the excavation process. Additionally, they have addressed difficulties in construction organization, including limited equipment performance and the different nationalities of the workforce. By implementing a series of measures, the project team has effectively ensured the safe and smooth progress of tunnel construction. The excavation progress of the tunnel is now more than two months ahead of the planned schedule, providing strong support for the project's outstanding achievements.
The project team meticulously organized and planned, leveraging collective wisdom to continually optimize construction organization and adjust technical plans during the construction process. This approach has promptly and effectively resolved excavation challenges, significantly improving excavation efficiency and enhancing the project's overall progress risk response capability. The tunnel excavation cross-section is 43 square meters, with hole placement adjusted appropriately and strict implementation of smooth blasting. Each drilling cycle involves more than 110 holes, each 3.5 meters deep, achieving excellent over-excavation and under-excavation control. The site is equipped with one 50-side dump loader and one 215 excavators for muck removal and hazard mitigation, with an average muck removal time of 5 hours per cycle. Additionally, the project team has efficiently arranged personnel and equipment, adopting a method of cyclical construction operations. Each cycle involves 5 Chinese drillers and 7 Vietnamese drillers on site, with the drilling rig equipped with seven pneumatic drills operating simultaneously. The average drilling and blasting time per cycle is 4 hours, completing 5 excavation rounds in 2 days. The excavation progress, quality, and safety of the tunnel have received unanimous recognition from local regulatory and supervisory units.
With favorable winds and vast seas, a thousand sails compete, and we climb to new heights. In the next phase, the project team will continue to strengthen on-site management efforts, focusing on "ensuring safety, maintaining quality, adhering to schedule, and building reputation." Upholding the "short construction period" operational philosophy and demonstrating the "Anhe Speed," the team will stay true to its original mission, maintaining high morale and a rigorous attitude. With even greater enthusiasm, they will press on and redouble their efforts, continuing to work tirelessly for the smooth commissioning of the power station.
Contributed by: Steung Meteuk Project Department
Editor: General Department