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  Some Experiences from Microtunnelling through the Highly Erratic Lithologies of the Tuang Formation, Kuching

  With the rapid growth of Kuching, the conventional use of septic tanks as the in-situ wastewater treatment method was no longer sustainable, particularly due to the impact of sludge disposal into the Sungei Sarawak. Therefore, it was necessary to construct the Kuching Wastewater Management System (KWMS) for 100,000 PE, which comprised of a centralised wastewater treatment plant, property connections, and a true gravity sewerage network. In order to cater to the densely populated urban CBD of Kuching city, it was necessary to install the 7.7 km trunk sewer line with minimal socioeconomic disruptions to the denizens of Kuching city. Therefore, trenchless technology in the form of microtunnelling by pipe-jacking was the preferred delivery method for installing the trunk sewer line. The transportation of wastewater by true gravity feed meant that the trunk sewer pipeline was buried deep into the highly weathered and erratic geology of the Tuang Formation, underlying the Kuching CBD. This paper serves to share some of the construction challenges faced while pipe-jacking through the various highly weathered rocks of the Tuang Formation, including challenges associated with liquefiable sand, excessive water ingress, and a milestone pipe-jacking span which traversed below the Sungei Sarawak will be showcased. Through a research collaboration, some insights into the effects of geology on pipe-jacking forces will also be shared.

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