A Multi-Functional Backhoe Dredger (BHC-2401)
Type:
Presented during:
WODCON XXII - Enhance the Harmony between Dredging and Ecology
Authors:
Takahiro Takiguchi
Abstract
"In recent years, based on lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Basic Act for National Resilience has been enacted and enforced in Japan which is an initiative that will contribute to disaster preven-tion. In this Act is the reinforcement of revetments and enhancement of the strength" of ports. It is expected that construction relating to ports will increase more and more in the future. At major ports, deepening of the harbor for larger ships to enter the port is increasing. In order to adapt to this situation, it's required not only for the conventional dredging method with a grab bucket to be used but also the use of highly accurate dredging methods with suitable equipment for the narrow areas. Furthermore, dredging operations in close proximity to existing quay walls is also increasing. This requires adopting suitable dredging methods that will not adversely affect the stability of the existing structure. Additionally, there are cases where the depth of submerged riprap in Japan exceeds 20 m, which at such depths is risky work for the divers and it is also difficult to execute rock leveling. Therefore, an alternative construction method is required. In view of these backgrounds, Penta-Ocean Construction Co., Ltd. and Daishin Doboku Co., Ltd. have jointly built a multi-functional Backhoe dredger called BHC-2401. It is equipped with a longest arm in Japan (based on the records as of October 2015) and can dredge the seabed up to a depth of 24m. As an additional feature, the bucket can be replaced with a tamper to perform, not only excavation, but also compaction. It can then be utilized for leveling and compaction of submerged riprap with high accuracy, even with an "invisible" seabed, through the use of various advanced systems. The BHC-2401 can reduce the exposure of the divers to risk and provides for a labor-saving operation. This paper will describe the main features of the BHC-2401."
Keywords: Multi-functional backhoe dredger, 3D Machine guidance, Underwater monitoring, Tamper, Submerged riprap.