VIP-Polymers Ltd is taking its latest innovation in tunnel segment gaskets – a major step forward in cast-in gasket design – to the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress in Dubai.

The patented compliant compressible corner technology has already impressed clients on tunnelling projects. Now VIP will explain its benefits to delegates at the World Tunnel Congress (WTC), 21-26 April 2018.

VIP’s cast-in tunnel segment gasket (TSG), delivers consistent load performance along the entire perimeter of the gasket, greatly reducing risk of segment cracking during installation.

Matthew Levitt, VIP Technical Business Development Manager, said: “Our innovative cast-in gasket represents a step change in performance in terms of reducing segment cracking caused by corner point loading, which is one of risks tunnellers are most keen to eliminate during the installation process.

“We are looking forward to showing visitors to our stand at WTC how the technology works, and the advantage it delivers in terms of greatly reducing the need for post-installation repairs and associated costs.”

The gasket, created with a unique joining process that maintains the TSG profile right to the corner edge, has most recently been used in the construction of Scottish Water’s Shieldhall Tunnel under Glasgow.

Sam Simons, Tunnel Lining Supply Manager for Shieldhall joint venture construction partner Costain, said: “VIP gaskets contributed to an exceptionally well-built tunnel, with no reported segment cracking arising from high corner contact pressure, or segment ram loading transfer, cracks or leakage, meeting the tunnel lining specification without compromise.”

VIP can also point to recent contract success with two major tunnelling projects. It will provide its cast-in TSG for the 12.7km Thames Tideway Central wastewater tunnel in London. VIP is also supplying glued-in tunnel segment gaskets for the Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Packages 5 and 6), a 4.5km twin tunnel.

VIP is driving the development of innovative tunnelling products that deliver greater customer value. The compressible corner cast-in TSG is an example of how, by combining its in-house expertise in compounding rubber, product development and testing, and using enhanced manufacturing processes, VIP is supporting Contractors and Clients to achieve defect free construction.

Matthew Levitt said: “These are exciting times for VIP. There are always new challenges ahead. We’re attending WTC to talk to representatives from tunnelling companies and organisations across the world, to see how we can help them build better tunnels.”

To see the latest innovation in cast-in tunnel segment gaskets, visit please VIP on stand 135 at WTC 2018.