Journal articles
Author(s) | Title | Journal | Issue | Page | Category |
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de Oliveira, Daniela Garroux G.; Thewes, Markus; Diederichs, Mark S.; Langmaack, Lars | EPB tunnelling through clay-sand mixed soils: Proposed methodology for clogging evaluation | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 4/2018 | 375-387 | Topics |
AbstractThe clogging of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tools by soils has long been investigated, owing to the numerous difficulties arising in shield tunnelling as a result. Its occurrence leads to operation delays owing to the frequent and lengthy interventions required to unblock the soil stuck to the excavation tools and screw conveyor. Several authors have proposed laboratory tests for evaluating the clogging potential, however, those include limitations, such as not considering the clay fraction in a soil. One of these methods is the empirical stickiness evaluation, whereby a mixer and a beater are used to define a clogging evaluation parameter. Following an extended test campaign using soils with different clay contents and minerals, it became clear that this method was not adequate to provide reliable information regarding the tendency of a soil to clog in a tunnel drive. A new device was then implemented, which adds to the first method a kinetic energy impulse via dropping of the beater from a certain height. This combination of methods could provide a reasonable approximation of the potential for clogging to occur along Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPB) tunnel drives. This paper presents the results of the proposed combined methodology for clogging evaluation, as well as the research evolution that led to the addition of the beater dropping stage. x | |||||
Schubert, Wulf | 25 years of research and development at the Institute of Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling at Graz University of Technology / 25 Jahre Forschung und Entwicklung am Institut fĂŒr Felsmechanik und Tunnelbau an der Technischen UniversitĂ€t Graz | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 3/2018 | 203-212 | Topics |
AbstractThe Institute of Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling at the Graz University of Technology was founded in 1992. From the beginning, the primary focus of research and development was on Alpine tunnelling and slope stability issues, considering geological conditions and their impact on construction. The aim was to improve the current practice, as well as to reduce uncertainties. The research areas can be roughly grouped into rock mass characterization, improvement of monitoring data interpretation, ground behaviour assessment, as well as development and improvement of support elements. The research is documented in about 110 master theses and 30 doctoral theses, and approximately 350 papers. x | |||||
Entfellner, Manuel; Kluckner, Alexander; Lenz, Gerold; Poisel, Alexander; Schubert, Wulf | Short-term prediction of shotcrete utilization based on observations during tunnelling / Kurzzeitprognose der Spritzbetonauslastung auf Basis von Beobachtungen wÀhrend des Tunnelvortriebs | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 3/2018 | 214-225 | Topics |
AbstractDisplacement curves in tunnelling depend both on time and the distance from the face and have thus not died down immediately after excavation. Therefore - the applied shotcrete lining experiences temporally variable loading, which depends on the forced strain curve and on the material behaviour of the shotcrete. Overloading of the shotcrete lining leads to crack formation, costly and laborious repair work and possibly also to dangerous situations for those present at the location, and should therefore be prevented. With the method presented in this article, which combines geological-geotechnical parameters and the interpretation of measured displacement data, the accuracy of the short-term prediction of the system behaviour can be improved. This makes it possible to react early to any potential overloading of the planned support and adapt it if necessary (e.g. changeover to ductile support). The article concludes with an explanation of the method through the example of the Semmering Base Tunnel, contract SBT 1.1 - Tunnel Gloggnitz. x | |||||
Pichler, Bernhard; Hellmich, Christian | Hybrid methods for shotcrete and segmental linings tunnel shells - Combining displacement and rotation measurements with computational multiscale mechanics / Hybride Methoden fĂŒr Spritzbeton- und TĂŒbbingschalen - Kombination von Verschiebungs- und Verdrehungsmessungen mit Mehrskalen-Mechanik | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 3/2018 | 226-235 | Topics |
AbstractThis contribution highlights recent developments in the analysis and monitoring of tunnel linings based on so-called hybrid methods. In this context, the word “hybrid” refers to a suitable combination of measurement data from geotechnical monitoring, with advanced simulation tools of engineering mechanics. The first part of this contribution refers to the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), where monitoring during construction includes daily measurements of the 3D displacement vectors of “measurement points” installed in “measurement cross-sections”. Shell theory-informed spatial and temporal interpolation of the displacements between the aforementioned “grid points”, allows for reconstructing the evolution of the displacement and strain fields throughout the tunnel shell. Feeding these fields into realistic thermo-chemo-mechanical, potentially multiscale, models for the chemically hardening and creeping shotcrete, allows for the determination of the lining stresses over time. The latter give access to corresponding safety indicators or utilization degrees considering the evolving strength of shotcrete; and they also allow for quantifying the traction forces acting from the rock mass, on the exterior boundary of the tunnel lining. The second part of this contribution refers to the first steps towards the hybrid analysis of segmental lining, as installed in mechanized tunnelling. Relative rotation angles, as measured, in the course of a full-scale test, in the joints between adjacent segments of a segmental ring, are prescribed on a structural mechanics model based on analytical solutions from circular arch theory. x | |||||
Henzinger, Michael R.; Willmes, Michael; Lagger, Manuel; Kathage, Andreas F.; Moritz, Bernd A.; Schubert, Wulf | Detection of voids in the annular gap using ground penetrating radar and determination of the in-situ deformation properties of pea gravel / Detektion von HohlrÀumen im Ringspalt mittels Georadar und Ermittlung der in situ Verformungseigenschaften von Perlkies | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 3/2018 | 236-250 | Topics |
AbstractWhen using shield machines, the excavation support is established using prefabricated concrete segments. The structurally required cavity between the built ring and the rock mass is usually filled with pea gravel in hard rock conditions. The backfilled material ensures the necessary bedding and evenly distributes the rock loads. To evaluate the in-situ deformation behaviour of pea gravel, a testing device was developed that measures the reaction of the backfill under load increase and load decrease on the basis of the static load plate test. The test is carried out via the opening for pea gravel injection. The results have shown that the elasticity of pea gravel is predominantly influenced by the load level and the type of loading. x | |||||
Henzinger, Michael R.; Schachinger, Tobias; Lienhart, Werner; Buchmayer, Fabian; Weilinger, Walter; Stefaner, Raimund; Haberler-Weber, Michaela; Haller, Eva-Maria; Steiner, Michael; Schubert, Wulf | Fibre-optic supported measurement methods for monitoring rock pressure / Faseroptisch unterstĂŒtzte Messmethoden zur Beobachtung von Gebirgsdruck | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 3/2018 | 251-263 | Topics |
AbstractLike every civil engineered structure tunnels are subject to an ageing process. The reasons for the degrading of the condition are manifold: not fully completed stress redistribution, deterioration in the rock mass quality through long-term exposure (creeping), weathering or dynamic loads and stresses, to name but a few. All this processes lead to a deformation of the surrounding bedrock and the lining. x | |||||
Galler, Robert; Wenighofer, Robert; Gehwolf, Paul; Stoxreiter, Thomas; Schuller, Erik; Pittino, Gerhard; Darmaev, Enkhe | Overview of current research work at the Chair of Subsurface Engineering at Montanuniversitaet Leoben / Ăberblick zu laufenden Forschungsvorhaben am Lehrstuhl fĂŒr Subsurface Engineering an der MontanuniversitĂ€t Leoben | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 3/2018 | 265-275 | Topics |
AbstractThe Chair of Subsurface Engineering at the Montanuniversitaet Leoben is part of the Department of Mineral Resources Engineering. Regarding research and development, the chair cooperates with several departments of the university, such as the Departments of Petroleum Engineering, Environmental and Energy Technology, Product Engineering and Polymer Engineering. In addition to the construction of the ZAB, a research and development but also training and education centre at the Styrian Erzberg, some other research projects at the chair have recently been reported in this journal. These include, for example, research on segmental lining design in collaboration with with the ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG, and also topics such as disc force and face monitoring systems for TBMs. This research is deliberately not discussed here; rather research is reported that has received less attention lately. This includes further developments mainly relating to laboratory tests, the research field of rockfall simulations, international research cooperations, and also work on BIM implementation at the ZAB-Zentrum am Berg. x | |||||
Schachinger, Tobias; Zagar, Bernhard; Schwab, Christian; Saliger, Florian; Stur, Michael | Current research by ĂBB Infrastruktur AG on scale monitoring without track closures / Aktuelle Forschungen der ĂBB Infrastruktur-AG zu Versinterungsmonitoring ohne EinschrĂ€nkung des Eisenbahnbetriebs | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 3/2018 | 277-285 | Topics |
AbstractIn water pressure-relieved rail tunnels, calcium carbonate scaling occurs in tunnel drain pipes. This scaling is caused by the surrounding geology, groundwater or the use of building materials containing cement. If the amount of scale becomes excessive, the drains have to be be cleaned to prevent an increase of the water pressure on the tunnel lining, which can cause damage to the tunnel structure or water ingress. At the moment, the growth of scale in tunnel drainage can only be monitored by camera surveys. This requires closure of the track or the whole tunnel and causes a massive operational restriction. Therefore the ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG project “Task Force Drainage” is looking for ways to monitor the growth of scale without any operating restrictions. Among other measures, an FFG project has been launched, and international knowledge transfer is taking place in the context of Shift2Rail. Various sensors and measuring methods are currently being examined regarding their suitability for this research question, examples including the measurement of differences in electrical resistance and acoustic measurement methods. x | |||||
Schwalt, Markus; Rabaiotti, Carlo | Storage sites for tunnel excavation material - challenges and approach using the Gotthard and Ceneri Base Tunnels as examples / Ablagerungen von Tunnelausbruchmaterial - Herausforderungen und Vorgehen am Beispiel Gotthard- und Ceneri-Basistunnel | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 3/2018 | 287-300 | Topics |
AbstractThe construction of the Gotthard and Ceneri Base Tunnels through the Alps resulted in large quantities of excavated material. Selecting appropriate storage sites for the excavated material is a very important step that is often determined not only by technical criteria but also by external circumstances, a fact that may lead to sites that are not optimally suitable. Managing geotechnically difficult conditions in a professional manner is a decisive prerequisite to make a success of the planning and design process. Applying profound experience furthermore permits optimizations which lead to more efficient utilization of the available storage areas while at the same time maintaining the required structural stability. Such optimizations require detailed geotechnical investigation, careful planning and design, and thorough observation during construction. Furthermore, experience and specialist knowledge of comparable structures are helpful. The Chalchofen storage site at the Gotthard and the Sigirino site at the Ceneri Base Tunnel are used as examples to present a target-oriented approach. The observations and measurements made the projects a success. To ensure a favorable outcome of such construction projects, it is of vital importance that all the parties involved (owner, consultant and checking engineer) work together effectively and efficiently. x | |||||
Feinendegen, Martin; Ziegler, Martin | The significance of the LCPC test as a tool for the specification of homogeneous areas / Zur Aussagekraft des LCPC-Versuchs fĂŒr die Festlegung von Homogenbereichen | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2018 | 113-122 | Topics |
AbstractWith the revision of the German contract conditions VOB in 2015, the previously usual soil and rock classes were replaced by homogeneous areas, into which the ground is to be divided according to the condition of soil and/or rock before excavation. Numerous properties and characteristic values also have to be specified with their determined bandwidths. In the tendering process for many works in specialised civil engineering, earthworks and tunnelling, the abrasiveness now always has to be assessed and, if necessary, tested for soil using the LCPC test according to the French standard NF P18-579. This test was originally designed to determine the abrasion and crushability of artificial aggregates and is normally carried out under conditions that are in most cases unrepresentative of the behaviour of natural (mixed grained) soils in-situ. Transfer of the results to the contractually binding ground report required by the VOB is therefore extremely critical, as this article points out based on new investigations with the LCPC test. x | |||||
Macias, Francisco Javier; NĂŠrland, Jarand; Espallargas, Nuria | Cutter wear mechanisms in hard rock tunnel boring | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2018 | 123-130 | Topics |
AbstractCutter consumption and parameters such as cutter ring wear has a great relevance in the overall excavation time and cost in hard rock tunnel boring machines (TBMs), especially in hard rock conditions. Cutter wear involves a complex tribological system that interacts also with the geologicy of the rock mass. Understanding the processes and failure mechanisms during cutter wear (e.g. modes of contact, wear, load effects) and assessing the influence of temperature on cutter ring wear processes enables new knowledge to be applied to get better cutter consumption predictions and future improvements in cutter ring development. In addition, it might be used to evaluate the suitability of the new rock abrasivity test method (Rolling Indentation Abrasion Test, RIAT) for assessing cutter ring wear. x | |||||
KĂŒpferle, Jakob; Röttger, Arne; Theisen, Werner; Alber, Michael | Tribological analysis of the TBM tool wear in soil from the view of material science / Tribologische Analyse des AbbauwerkzeugverschleiĂes von Tunnelvortriebsmaschinen in Lockergestein aus werkstofftechnischer Sicht | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2018 | 131-141 | Topics |
AbstractExcessive wear to excavation tools leads to unplanned downtime, which results in additional costs. To predict tool wear during the planning phase of a project, an analysis of the acting tribological system is essential. The different influential factors and interactions have to be considered. The abrasive surface degradation of tools is investigated on a microstructural scale with nano-scratch experiments. Material-dependent variables like hard phase content and size are discussed in terms of the resulting wear-resistance. Using the RUB Tunnelling Device, abrasive surface degradation can be investigated on a more global scale and correlated with the acting tribological system, and the different tribological system components and influential factors can be considered. x | |||||
Ellecosta, Peter; KĂ€sling, Heiko; Thuro, Kurosch | Tool wear in TBM hard rock drilling - backgrounds and special phenomena | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2018 | 142-148 | Topics |
AbstractIn hard rock TBM drilling, wear issues play a crucial role in the success of a tunnelling project. Thus, excavation tools must be selected carefully and be adapted to ground conditions. Wear-related changes in the tools that occur over the course of the tools' operating lives must also be taken into account. This paper presents five basic types of macroscopic wear for cutter rings: (1) abrasive/normal wear, (2) tapering, (3) mushrooming, (4) brittle fracture of the cutter ring (special wear type 1) and (5) blockade of the roller bearing (special wear type 2). These basic wear types lead to distinct cutter ring shapes which allow deriving some fundamental characteristics of the interacting rock types. In addition, a microscopic analysis of the surfaces and associated metallographic sections from worn cutter tools has been performed. As a result, the tribological processes under the cutter, leading to tool wear, can be better understood. In summary, the investigations may contribute to a better understanding to make it easier to choose the proper TBM disc cutter for a distinct rock type in order to minimize the risk of tool-related downtimes. x | |||||
Gwildis, Ulf Georg; Sass, Ingo | Tool wear analysis of pressurized face TBM drives in the glacial geology of the Pacific Northwest | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2018 | 150-155 | Topics |
AbstractFor underground construction projects in the United States and Canada it is standard procedure to use a Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR) to contractually define subsoil conditions. The GBR sets baselines based on which tunneling contractors develop bids and plan the works. Baseline values for soil abrasiveness are a focus especially where drives with pressurized-face Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) beneath the groundwater table and in unstable face conditions require changing the cutterhead tools under hyperbaric conditions or in pre-constructed safe havens. x | |||||
Plinninger, Ralf J.; Alber, Michael; DĂŒllmann, Jan | Rock mass-scale factors with an influence on tool wear in the mechanised tunnelling process in hard rock / GebirgsmaĂstĂ€bliche Einflussfaktoren auf den WerkzeugverschleiĂ bei maschinellen Tunnelvortriebsverfahren im Hartgestein | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2018 | 157-167 | Topics |
AbstractWear to the tools used for excavate the rock mass has a significant relevance for the cost and performance of tunnel drives in hard rock. This applies in particular to mechanised tunnelling processes, where the effect of wear is an important factor for system availability. At the moment, laboratory tests and derived abrasiveness indices like the Cerchar Abrasiveness Index (CAI) or the Rock Abrasivity Index (RAI) provide the basis for evaluation of tool wear. It should however be noted that such index values can only take into account influential factors on the scale of the intact rock. Influential factors on the scale of the rock mass, for example mixed-face conditions, unstable face conditions, blockiness or the primary and secondary stress states at the face, can also be significant for the tool wear that is actually experienced. The possible consequences of such disadvantageous effects, which for example can cause catastrophic failure of tools, can represent many times the abrasiveness of the intact rock. x | |||||
Rauch, Roman; Goliasch, Robert; KĂ€sling, Heiko; Thuro, Kurosch | Does the in-situ stress state have an effect on tool wear in deep TBM tunnelling? / Haben Gebirgsspannungen Einfluss auf den AbrasivverschleiĂ im tiefliegenden TBM-Vortrieb? | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2018 | 169-177 | Topics |
AbstractAnalysis of wear data from a TBM tunnelling project under high overburden shows diverging wear rates on the disc cutters depending on their position in the cutterhead. The disc cutters at inner and middle positions in the cutterhead reach about twice the running distances compared with cutters fitted at pre-gauge positions. This work shows that the construction of the cutterhead has an impact on the degree of abrasive wear, especially for the gauge positions. Moreover, the analysis shows that the in-situ stress state correlates significantly with disc cutter wear. x | |||||
Anagnostou, Georg; Schuerch, Roberto; Perazzelli, Paolo | Lake Mead Intake No 3 Tunnel - Design considerations and construction experience | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2018 | 15-23 | Topics |
AbstractThis paper presents the pre-construction evaluation of the ground for the Lake Mead Intake No 3 Tunnel and the experience gained from the project, which had the aim of maintaining water supplies for the Las Vegas greater metropolitan area. The construction of this tunnel using a dual-mode slurry shield represents a major engineering achievement, which pushed back the boundaries of closed shield tunnelling: Overcoming an extended fault zone under high hydrostatic pressure in the metamorphic rocks and mucking-out difficulties associated with high rates of water inflow in the sedimentary rocks necessitated closed-mode operation over about 2 km at unprecedentedly high face pressures of up to 14 bar. x | |||||
Och, David J.; Bateman, Geoff; Maidl, Ulrich; Comulada, Marc | Sydney Metro - ground characterisation and TBM selection for the Sydney Harbour crossing | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2018 | 24-33 | Topics |
AbstractThe Sydney Harbour crossing is a key element of Sydney Metro City & Southwest, which includes 15.5 km of twin tube running tunnels extending from Chatswood at the north through to Sydenham, south of the Central Buisness District (CBD). One of the key features is the 1 % length of the alignment that passes under Sydney Harbour. The rest of the alignment is through rock, but the harbour crossing is designed to pass through harbour sediments and mixed face conditions undersea. An in depth study and analysis was required to confirm the feasibility of the safe construction of this short length of the tunnel in sub-aqueous, soft ground conditions. It was necessary to carry out detailed, targeted investigation of the ground to enable the selection of an appropriate tunnelling technique for constructing the tunnels. x | |||||
Stascheit, Janosch; Nini , Jelena; Meschke, GĂŒnther; Hegemann, Felix; Maidl, Ulrich | Building Information Modelling in mechanised shield tunnelling - A practitioner's outlook to the near future / Building Information Modelling im maschinellen Schildvortrieb - Ein praxisorienterter Blick in die nĂ€here Zukunft | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2018 | 34-49 | Topics |
AbstractThe contribution takes a glance at the application of BIM technologies in the design and construction phases of shield tunnelling projects. The intention is to show how Building Information Modelling can be translated into actual benefit, not only in the operation phase but also in the design and construction phases of bored tunnels. Emphasising the integrative character of referencing data uniformly in space and time, examples are given of seamless communication between 3D geometrical modelling, efficient numerical simulation and model adaptation based on measured data acquired during the boring process. The article covers the complete range from predesign through structural analysis and detailed design until the actual excavation process including its interactions with the environment. Special emphasis is given to data management, which is the key to transforming a mere 3D visualisation into a Building Information Model. The article therefore presents a concept for database-supported, web-based integration of software modules for geometrical modelling in various levels of detail, efficient numerical simulation tools that are based upon this representation, and process controlling that manages all data acquired during the construction process in a spatially and temporally coordinated reference system. x | |||||
Rengshausen, Rainer; Weiner, Thorsten | Metro Doha Green Line - More than 30 km of tunnel in 18 months / Metro Doha Green Line - Mehr als 30 km Tunnel in 18 Monaten | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2018 | 50-61 | Topics |
AbstractThe capital of Qatar, Doha is being increasingly turned into a modern centre for industry, trade and sport. One essential precondition for this is the development of high-capacity infrastructure with modern means of transport. This includes the construction of an underground railway network, which has to be completed in a very short time due to the football World Cup taking place in Qatar in 2022. The (part) project “Metro Green Line Underground” was awarded in summer 2013 to a Joint Venture comprised of Porr (lead), the Saudi Binladin Group and the local construction company HBK. It includes the turnkey completion of the underground part of the Green Line in the future underground system. This includes two tunnels with a length of 17 km each, six stations, crossover structures, several emergency exits and 32 cross passages and two road underpasses. The shield drive for the running tunnels began in late summer 2014 and could be completed after only 18 months of construction time in early 2016. In addition to explaining how the simultaneous operation of six EPB machines was successfully mastered, this article also describes the conventional tunnelling of the various connection and underpass structures under inner-city conditions. x | |||||
Zieger, Thomas; BĂŒhler, Martin; Rick, Beat; Schmid, Werner; Grossauer, Karl | Challenges and innovative solutions at the new construction of the Bözberg Tunnel / Herausforderungen und innovative Lösungen beim Neubau des Bözbergtunnels | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2018 | 62-75 | Topics |
AbstractIn order to further increase the transfer of transalpine traffic through Switzerland from road to rail, the Gotthard axis is to be improved to a 4 m corridor. For this purpose altogether 270 km of railway line between Basel and the Italian border is to be improved to a corner height of 4 m by 2020. The largest individual structure is the new Bözberg Tunnel in the canton Aargau. Various options were investigated for the preliminary design. The best variant turned out to be the new construction of a two-track tunnel parallel to the existing tunnel. The existing two-track Bözberg Tunnel, which is not suitable for upgrading to the 4 m standard, will be used as a service and escape tunnel. Various emergency exits lead through five cross passages from the new to the old tunnel. The short construction time of five years until opening on the one hand, and the challenging geology in the Faltenjura with swelling rock mass on the other pose great problems for client, designers, and the contractor. This article reports on these challenges and describes how they have also led to innovative solutions. x | |||||
Rizos, Dimitrios; Williams, Derek; Fouda, Ahmed; Amin, Tarek; Aboudshiesh, Mohamed; Nicola, Anis Dimitry | TBM tunnelling under the Suez Canal - Port Said tunnels in challenging ground conditions | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2018 | 76-85 | Topics |
AbstractThe Port Said Tunnels Project consists of twin road tunnels crossing the Suez Canal with a planned capacity of 2,100 mixed vehicles/hour in each direction. The dual carriageway tunnels are an important part of the Suez Canal Region Development Plan, which will connect the Sinai with other Egyptian provinces to provide a gateway for investment opportunities and speed up the development of Sinai province. The project is located 19 km south of Port Said city, near the northern entrance of the Suez Canal. The tunnels are constructed using slurry shield TBMs in difficult ground conditions, including the presence of methane gas. This paper demonstrates the main challenges encountered during tunnelling and the measures taken to mitigate potential risks during construction and to control long-term differential settlements in the upper, very soft soil. The tunnels are connected by two cross passages which are being constructed using ground freezing and conventional tunnelling. x | |||||
Plank, Viktor; Poimer, Bernhard | The significance of the southern line on an European, national and regional scale - The strengthening of the corridor in the ĂBB target network 2025+ and beyond / Die europĂ€ische, nationale und regionale Bedeutung der SĂŒdstrecke - Die StĂ€rkung des Korridors im Zielnetz 2025+ der ĂBB und darĂŒber hinaus | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 651-659 | Topics |
AbstractIntegration of national railway systems into a European network is a prerequisite for a sustainable competitive edge of the railway sector. With its current extensive project portfolio and its role in the European Baltic-Adriatic Corridor, the southern line in Austria is positioned to successfully face future requirements. Furthermore, the establishment of new railway infrastructure is not only geared towards international transport operations in passenger and freight service, but also towards satisfying national and regional needs. The expansion of the southern line correlates with projects in the partner countries along the corridor and is in line with economic trends, both domestically and in greater Europe. Once a neglected line in the railway expansion program of recent decades, the southern line is now benefiting from considerable developments, including the on-going commissioning of several major projects in a 10 to 12-year period. Currently, the expansion strategy is based on the Transport Forecast Austria and the Target Network 2025+. Additional expansions for sections such as towards the Slovenian border as well as concepts for the existing southern line are subject to on-going evaluation with regard to actual traffic developments and will be developed in line with respective needs. x | |||||
Gobiet, Gerhard | The railway station MĂŒrzzuschlag in relation to the Semmering Base Tunnel / Der Bahnhof MĂŒrzzuschlag im Kontext mit dem Semmering-Basistunnel | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 660-667 | Topics |
AbstractThe opening of the Semmering Base Tunnel (SBT from timetable change in 2026/27) will change the characteristics of the Baltic-Adriatic axis from a mountain railway to a flat trajectory. This will revalue the trans-European route in the Austrian segment with lasting effect. In future, the railway station at Mürzzuschlag will play an even more important role in the Baltic-Adriatic axis than today. The connection to the metropolitan area of Vienna will bring a time saving for long-distance passenger traffic of about 30 minutes. The rail freight traffic will profit from the fact that train will no longer run over the mountains. The enlargement of the park & ride facility, the improved connection to public transport as part of the transformation of the forecourt, the enlargement of the ASC location and the adaptation of the existing station buildings will improve Mürzzuschlag station with lasting effect. x | |||||
Haas, Dieter; Schachinger, Tobias; Lechner, Gerhild; Knopf, Rudolf | Gloggnitz contract after completion of the intermediate access at Göstritz / Das Baulos Gloggnitz nach Fertigstellung des Zugangstunnels Göstritz | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 668-676 | Topics |
AbstractThe intermediate construction access at Göstritz was planned based on the results of a comprehensive geological investigation programme. The intermediate access minimises the risk of the excavation of the Semmering Base Tunnel through the Grassberg-Schlagl fault system, which is located in the Otterstock area in Lower Austria. The site consists of an approx. 1000 m long access tunnel, a complex system of shaft head caverns, two shafts with a depth of about 250 m down to the level of the tunnel as well as a system of shaft bottom caverns for the four tunnel drives in the directions of Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag. During the construction of the access tunnel, a new shaft head layout was proposed by the contractor in form of value engineering to optimize further construction operation, and the optimized layout was adopted to the contract. At the end of the access tunnel, it turned out that the shaft head cavern system could neither be constructed in the original layout as tendered nor in the newly revised layout due to a geological fault zone, which had not been predicted despite extensive geological investigation in advance. Consequently, ÖBB, designer and contractor worked intensively to find a new feasible design to enable further construction of the cavern system, avoid a standstill of tunnelling works and comply with all approvals. x |