SUSTAINABLE WAY OF LIVING: DEVELOPMENT OF SINGAPORE'S SUBTERRANEAN SPACE (EXCAVATION METHODS)

Abstract

Going downwards is the new hype. Land reclamation can no longer be a sustainable solution to support Singapore’s growth and economy. Instead, tapping into our underground space serves as an alternative approach to free up valuable land space by re-diverting certain industries downwards. This directly translates into the need to execute massive deep depth excavation works which proves to pose a whole new challenge as contrast to the conventional excavation works for a high-rise building. This paper sets out the objectives to investigate the types of deep excavation methods used in both Singapore and overseas. A literature review was conducted to investigate the various deep excavation methods and their pros and cons. Proper comparison can then be derived and this provides a platform for Singapore to learn from the best practices available in the market. Interviews and case studies were jointly used to fulfill the objectives of the study. Innovative excavation methods were introduced. The study ascertains that the deep excavation methods utilized do not differs between countries and that soft ground are generally not used for deep underground development at the moment for Singapore. In addition, an in-depth understanding of the geology is of paramount importance as it will affect the methods adopted. The study proposes recommendations to advocate research to treat and improve soft ground effectively to open up deep underground development opportunity in the eastern part of Singapore and the need to map out the underground master plan as it indirectly affects the excavation methods used.