Tunnel segment dowel systems for precise ring alignment and watertight connection.
Product Description
Optimas International supplies dowel systems for precast concrete tunnel segments, providing controlled alignment and high-performance pull-out and shear resistance.
By maintaining accurate segment positioning, the systems help ensure correct gasket alignment and reliable watertightness at the joints.
Application
Dowel systems help to provide accurate, repeatable positioning while accommodating the specific geometry and tolerances of the tunnel lining.
Fixing the rings using thermoplastic dowels enable a quick and secure installation in tight global tolerances, while providing stability of the rings as a result of ground or grout injection pressure.
Optimas International supplies dowel systems for a variety of tunnelling projects from sewer to transportation.
Materials and Quality
Dowel systems must withstand the reaction load of the gasket while maintaining the dimensional accuracy required for consistent alignment. Each dowel system is specified to meet the requirements of each individual project. This ensures the components integrate correctly with associated elements such as bolting systems, guiding rods and shear cones.
Optimas International manages dowel system requirements on a project-by-project basis, with dimensional and manufacturing requirements controlled against the agreed specification. With a pull-out resistance from 40 to 300 kN, there is a dowel system available for all projects.
Our innovative OPTI.Fix® system provides a new method for fixing sockets within segment moulds, improving efficiency, quality and safety during tunnel construction. It delivers significant time savings through easier installation and demoulding, while reducing maintenance and supporting greater production automation.
Why Choose Optimas International
Make the best tunnel fastener decisions with expert design and engineering services, finite element analysis, and project-specific technical support.
Know you have the highest quality parts as a result of our rigorous standards, zero-defect culture, leading certifications and registrations.
Get the right solutions delivered at the right time to meet the specialised needs of your tunnel construction project, anywhere across the world.
Confirm the mechanical resistance of each system before you implement it with our full range of testing tools available at our laboratories.
Products
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See how manufacturers have reduced cost, simplified their component portfolio and improved supply reliability with Optimas International.
Dowel systems guide and align adjoining precast concrete tunnel segments during ring erection, helping maintain the required geometry and position of the tunnel lining. They also play an essential role in keeping the gasket compressed.
Specification depends on factors including segment geometry, tunnel diameter, ring design, geology and water pressure. Our engineering team can work from project drawings and technical requirements to support project-specific specifications.
The dowel socket is cast into the precast concrete segment during manufacture. The dowel engages with the socket during ring erection to guide the adjoining segment into position.
Accurate dowel positioning helps control the alignment of adjoining segments during ring erection. Consistent alignment also supports even gasket compression at the joint, which is important to achieving the required sealing performance.
Yes. Dowel systems can form part of a wider segment jointing package alongside bolting systems, guiding rods, shear cones and other associated components.
Dowel systems are generally specified around the geometry and requirements of the individual tunnel lining system, so configurations are developed to suit the project rather than treated as a single universal standard product.
Dowels are critical in the maintaining the watertightness of a tunnel, ensuring the gasket remains compressed therefore fimensional accuracy and positioning are critical to maintaining consistent segment alignment.
Yes. Alongside dowel systems, we supply bolting systems, guiding rods, grouting and lifting systems, marking plates, radial coupling and shear cones to support a complete tunnel segment jointing project.
OPTI.Fix® provides a more efficient method for fixing sockets within segment moulds, helping save time during installation and demoulding while reducing maintenance and supporting improved production consistency and automation.
