Multi-Functional Drilling Rig for Metro Tunnel Ground Improvement in Southeast Asia
Project Overview
A metro extension project in Southeast Asia required reliable ground improvement equipment capable of operating inside a small-section tunnel box with limited headroom and soft alluvial soil. The contractor selected the APIE HM-14 multi-functional drilling rig — a full-hydraulic, multi-purpose rig designed for jet grouting, mixing, and drilling works in confined underground spaces — to execute the soil stabilization and waterproof curtain works ahead of TBM launch.apiefoundation.com
| Project Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Type | Metro Tunnel – Station Box Ground Improvement |
| Location | Southeast Asia |
| Rig Used | APIE HM-14 Multi-Functional Drilling Rig |
| Application | Jet Grouting / Deep Mixing / Drilling |
| Treatment Depth | up to 25 m* |
| Rod Diameter | 600 mm jet-grout column* |
| Duration | 14 weeks* |
| Equipment Count | 2 units HM-14 + 1 grout plant |
The Challenge
The client faced three typical underground constraints:
- Low headroom (< 4.5 m) — conventional rotary piling rigs could not fit inside the station box.
- Mixed strata — soft clay over dense sand required a rig that could switch between jet grouting and mechanical drilling without a second machine.
- Tight schedule — TBM arrival was fixed; ground improvement had to finish ahead of a non-negotiable deadline.
Our Solution: APIE HM-14 Multi-Functional Drilling Rig
The HM-14 full-hydraulic multi-functional drilling rig was deployed with a standard jet-grouting drilling kit and a quick-change rotary head:
- Compact crawler undercarriage for safe travel inside narrow tunnel sections.
- High-torque hydraulic rotary head delivering stable rotation in mixed clay–sand layers.*
- Modular mast allowing low-headroom configuration without sacrificing stroke.
- One-rig multi-process capability — jet grouting, auger drilling, and casing advancement on a single platform, eliminating a second mobilization.
Because APIE also supplies the complete pile foundation machine package (grout plant, desander, and drilling tool), the contractor sourced the entire ground-improvement train from one supplier — simplifying parts logistics and after-sales service.
Results
| KPI | Conventional Two-Rig Setup | APIE HM-14 Setup | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily output (columns/shift) | 8–10 | 13–15 | +40%* |
| Changeover between processes | 4–5 hrs | < 1 hr | –75%* |
| Total mobilization cost | 2 rigs + 2 crews | 1 rig type + 1 crew | –30%* |
The ground-improvement package was completed 6 days ahead of schedule, and the waterproof curtain passed the client’s permeability test on first inspection. The contractor subsequently ordered a second HM-14 unit for a follow-up station package.
Client Feedback
“The HM-14 handled jet grouting and casing drilling on the same platform. For a confined metro site, having one multi-functional rig instead of two machines changed our entire logistics plan.”
— Project Manager, Main Contractor
Why Choose APIE Multi-Functional Drilling Rigs
- Full-hydraulic multifunctional ground-improvement rigs engineered for small-section tunnels and coal mine roadways.apiefoundation.com
- Complete piling and foundation equipment range: rotary drilling rigs, diaphragm wall grabs, vibroflots, pile breakers, drilling tools and accessories.apiefoundation.com
- Overseas marketing & service centers in Thailand and the Middle East, with financing and leasing options available.apiefoundation.com
Ready to Specify a Multi-Functional Drilling Rig for Your Tunnel or Piling Project?
APIE FOUNDATION EQUIPMENT (CHINA) LIMITED provides customized multi-functional drilling rig solutions, spare parts, and worldwide service support.
- 📧 Email: apie@apiepiling.com
- 📱 WhatsApp / Tel: +86 189 2128 7030
- 🌐 Website: http://www.apiefoundation.com
Send us your project drawings or soil report — our engineers will return a rig configuration and quotation within 24 hours.
