Coal receiving systems can be optimized with cost reductions and in a safe environment without compromising on project delivery schedules.

A coal-fired thermal power plant was faced with the problem of selecting an appropriate & safe methodology for civil construction of deep underground units of the Coal Receiving System, with soft sub-soils and high ground water table. The constraints of tight construction schedule, hazardous site conditions and the need for cost optimization without compromising on safety was a challenge for TCE. With loose sand and ground water level within 1.0 m from surface civil constructions involving deep excavation was risky and unsafe. TCE developed a scheme providing multi-level braced steel sheet pile wall along with multi-stage well point dewatering system for the underground works. TCE provided analysis, design calculations, report, drawings and methodology for execution at site, technically justifying the solution. The project was successfully executed with cost reductions of 75-80% of original cost estimate. The solution also saved execution time and civil works were managed in a safe working environment within the stipulated time.