Journal articles
Author(s) | Title | Journal | Issue | Page | Category |
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Nipitsch, Gernot; Pacher, Wolfgang | The Fröschnitzgraben contract - Challenges in shaft sinking, construction logistics and landfill / Das Baulos Fröschnitzgraben - Herausforderungen beim Schachtabteufen, der Baulogistik und der Deponie | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 678-685 | Topics |
AbstractContract SBT2.1 Tunnel Fröschnitzgraben is the central and longest construction section of the Semmering Base Tunnel, including 13 km of tunnelling from the intermediate access in Fröschnitzgraben towards Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag. The approx. 4 km long section towards Mürzzuschlag is being excavated by drill and blast, and the 9 km section towards Gloggnitz is being driven by two tunnel boring machines. Before the start of the actual construction of the running tunnels, the two shafts about 400 m deep had to be sunk using an innovative concept. Considerable changes are also noticeable above ground: the filling level of the landfill site in Longsgraben is rising constantly. x | |||||
Klais, Frank; Wolf, Petra; Lienhart, Werner | The Grautschenhof contract - Construction of an intermediate access under complex local conditions / Das Baulos Grautschenhof - Errichtung eines Zwischenangriffs unter komplexen Randbedingungen | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 686-693 | Topics |
AbstractWith the start of construction on the third tunnelling contract, work has now started on all sections of the Semmering Base Tunnel. The Tunnel Grautschenhof contract is a challenging construction project with numerous unusual problems. Complex ground conditions make extensive grouting necessary. Numerous constraints above-ground, like high-pressure gas pipelines require monitoring and protection measures. Since the start in May 2016, two shafts, the first of three caverns and the first metres of the running tunnels have already been driven. In parallel to this, the works above ground to create two site facilities areas are now largely complete. x | |||||
Thaller, Thomas; Sturm, Peter; Rodler, Johannes | Smoke propagation in the region of cross-passages in long railway tunnels - Results from full scale tests | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 694-699 | Topics |
AbstractResearch on rail tunnel smoke dispersion was carried out on a completed section (KAT 1) of the Koralmtunnel in Austria. Field tests were performed on a scale of 1:1, covering fires with a maximum heat release rate of up to 22 MW. Smoke dispersion as well as the related temperature distributions in various sections of the tunnel were monitored using video cameras. The focus of the investigation was placed on smoke dispersion in the region of the cross-passages, i.e. on those sites where passenger evacuation normally takes place. The tests were intended to provide information on which type of escape door (swing door or sliding door) is most suited for passenger evacuation via the cross-passages. In order to provide sufficiently safe conditions during the self-evacuation phase, it is highly desirable that smoke does not impair escape. The tests aimed at investigating the interconnections between fire load, smoke production rate, and escape possibilities, as a function of the installed ventilation system and the related parameters. x | |||||
Tauer, Andreas; Posch, Helmut; Kager, Matthias; Schubel, Dietmar | Recycling or landfill - Experience based on the example of Koralm Tunnel, contract KAT2 from design to construction / Verwertung oder Deponierung - Die Erfahrungen am Beispiel Koralmtunnel, Baulos KAT2 von der Planung bis zur Umsetzung | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 700-710 | Topics |
AbstractThe construction of the approx. 33 km long, twin-bore Koralm Tunnel will produce about 5 million m3 of tunnel spoil. For this reason, a maximum degree of recycling of the material and landfill within the area of the three construction contracts were already intended at the start of design work. This had to consider optimal cost-effectiveness of the entire materials management with minimal environmental impact through the minimising of transport journeys and areas exploited as well as the saving resources as far as possible. Specifically for the design of contract KAT2, the production and demand of material had to be compared from design to construction, taking into account the landfill and recycling possibilities while observing the technical constraints and the regulations concerning the chemical properties of waste. x | |||||
Hölzl, Harald; Pilgerstorfer, Thomas; Uschan, Robert; Wagner, Hanns; Moritz, Bernd | The Koralmtunnel underground emergency stop - Geotechnical design and construction / Die Nothaltestelle des Koralmtunnels - Geotechnische Planung und Bauausführung | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 711-721 | Topics |
AbstractThe Koralm Tunnel, a twin-tube single-track railway tunnel with an overall length of almost 33 km and a maximum overburden of about 1, 200 m, closes the most significant gap of the future high-capacity railway line from Graz to Klagenfurt, Austria. Located close to the tunnel centre, an emergency stop will provide the facilities for future travellers to be evacuated in case of an emergency. The paper discusses the challenges of the design and incorporates the current state of the ongoing construction works of the emergency stop. In addition, the structure and content of the geotechnical safety management plan, as well as the applied monitoring program are presented in detail, emphasizing the analysis of the observed system behaviour in connection with the encountered geological conditions. x | |||||
Zwittnig, Gerald | From the Lavanttal into the Jauntal - Project implementation and first experience of design and build 4.0 / Vom Lavanttal ins Jauntal - Projektumsetzung und erste Erfahrungen zum Planen und Bauen 4.0 | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 722-729 | Topics |
AbstractIn addition to the Koralm Tunnel, the station at Lavanttal, the Granitztal tunnel chain and the Jauntal bridge are key structures on the Koralmbahn line in Austria. The station at Lavanttal has many functions to fulfil. Passenger demands for this important high-speed rail station have to be fulfilled as well as the maintenance requirements. This is also the emphasis of the currently running design optimisation for the adjoining Granitztal tunnel chain. In addition to a current status report, the article reports on the first experience gained on this project with the implementation of Building Information Modelling, a working method for the production of a holistic digital model of the building or facilities. x | |||||
Gschwandtner, Gunter G.; Kahn, Ursula; Kohlböck, Bernhard; Moritz, Bernd; Wagner, Stefan | Granitztal tunnel chain - Experience from the construction of the Langer Berg Tunnel and challenges in the anhydrite zone / Tunnelkette Granitztal - Nachlese zu dem Tunnelvortrieb Langer Berg und Herausforderungen im Anhydritbereich | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 730-739 | Topics |
AbstractThe Granitztal tunnel chain is located south of the Koralm Tunnel and includes the Deutsch Grutschen and Langer Berg Tunnels, which are being excavated using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM). The Langer Berg Tunnel was excavated in a rock mass containing sulphate over a length of approximately 330 m. Despite extensive exploration during site investigation of the project and the documentation from the construction of the existing Langer Berg Tunnel, which is located in the same rock mass series, unexpected anhydrite layers where found within the sulphate rock mass. In addition to a general overview of the project, the following article describes the geological and geotechnical conditions in the anhydrite rock mass as well as the adjustment of the design and implementation during construction due to the unexpectedly encountered situation. x | |||||
Herzeg, Thomas; Moraus, Thomas | St. Kanzian tunnel chain - Current state of works / Tunnelkette St. Kanzian - Aktueller Stand der Arbeiten | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 740-747 | Topics |
AbstractThe railway line from Graz to Klagenfurt, section Mittlern-Althofen/Drau, is part of the Austrian high-speed network and a partial section of the trans-European railway network (TEN in the EU, Pan-European corridor in the eastern countries). With the Koralmbahn line from Graz to Klagenfurt, capacity on the north-south connection Vienna-Tarvis will be considerably increased and the journey times noticeably shortened. The St. Kanzian tunnel chain is the most important part of the section Mittlern-Althofen/Drau in southern Carinthia, in the immediate vicinity of the tourist region of Klopeiner See/St. Kanzian. The St. Kanzian tunnel chain consists of six tunnels with lengths between 230 and 2, 100 m, which are under construction by various methods. Despite the short distances between the tunnels, the inhomogeneous geological conditions ranging from silty-sandy lacustrine sediments to phyllites are a great challenge. The topography also leads to consistently shallow overburden. The stated conditions lead to the necessity of extensive specialised civil engineering and ground improvement measures. x | |||||
Petraschek, Thomas; Walter, Michael; Haberler-Weber, Michaela | ÖBB Infrastructure as a driver of innovation - Perspectives on digitisation and automation in railway infrastructure / Die ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG als Innovationstreiber - Ein Ausblick zur Digitalisierung und Automatisierung in der Bahninfrastruktur | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 748-752 | Topics |
AbstractMobility is a basic need for people and society, so the steady growth of transport need will continue. The railway system is always in competition with other modes of transport and therefore has to improve productivity - within European and national requirements and specifications. The demands and wishes of customers are also changing; issues like industry 4.0, climate change, energy efficiency or digitisation are increasingly significant. ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG is responsible for planning, building and operating the railway infrastructure in Austria. Current trends like digitisation and automation can show the way for the further strategic orientation. Innovation in all areas of the railway system is necessary to reach the focused goals. This can be obtained by participation in European or national research projects or by specific research on current issues. Digitisation, big data, visualisation and automation are promising solutions for the identified fields of activity. x | |||||
Gehwolf, Paul; Wenighofer, Robert; Galler, Robert | Current status of tubbing research - Insight into the research activities at the Chair of Subsurface Engineering / Aktueller Stand der Tübbingforschung - Ein Einblick in die Forschungsarbeiten am Lehrstuhl für Subsurface Engineering | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 753-759 | Topics |
AbstractFor the verification of the load bearing and deformation behavior of segmental lining under exactly known conditions a test rig was designed and built in cooperation between the Montanuniversity of Leoben - Chair of Subsurface Engineering and the Austrian Federal Railway. On the basis of tests performed with steel-reinforced precast elements, first statements can be made in relation to the load bearing and deformation behaviour of the tested segments. Furthermore, a camera-based system for crack detection is presented. A finite-element model has also been set-up and this model has been validated using the test data. x | |||||
Wenighofer, Robert; Six, Gerhard; Galler, Robert; Chmelina, Klaus | Cameras for digitized 3D geological documentation of the tunnel face from cutterheads of TBMs / Ortsbrustkameras zur digitalen geologischen 3D-Dokumentation aus dem Bohrkopf von TBM - Stand der Entwicklungsarbeiten | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 760-766 | Topics |
AbstractA camera system has been developed, which can cover the full face when mounted in disc housings, thus imaging the tunnel face to provide greater transparency for client and contractor and to provide more objective geological assessment. No manholes or extra apertures are needed to accommodate the camera system. The images recorded are used to generate a 3D reconstruction of the face, revealing depths and volumes of breakouts. For the determination of the orientation of discontinuities, plugins based on .NET have been developed to enable the use of AutoCAD or Civil3d of Autodesk for the geological assessment of the face. The contribution describes the application, images and computed results of the camera system based on its regular use over a period of more than 20 months. x | |||||
Reinhold, Chris; Schwarz, Christian; Bergmeister, Konrad | Development of holistic prognosis models using exploration techniques and seismic prediction / Die Entwicklung holistischer Prognosemodelle mit Vorauserkundungen und seismischen Messungen | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 767-778 | Topics |
AbstractAs part of the Brenner Base Tunnel project, the currently running Tulfes-Pfons construction lot includes a stretch of the exploratory tunnel (ET), which has a length of 15 km and is being bored by a gripper TBM. During this tunnelling work, a diverse and broad set of exploration techniques is being used. Although it is an exploratory tunnel, the tunnel is subject to the same constraints as a performance heading. The choice of exploration techniques was made with regard of the capability to smoothly integrate them into regular tunnelling in order to not create further downtime. The exploration techniques are useful for the current ET but also to produce a forecast for the subsequent main tunnels (MT). The geological investigation is undertaken by face and peripheral mapping as well as by percussion drilling ahead of the machine. The geotechnical exploration is carried out by analysing the TBM parameters and the system behaviour, and analysing the percussion drilling. The exploration concept is completed with the geophysical reflection seismic method. All these exploration methods have different sensitivities, exploration ranges and directions, strengths and weaknesses, so they complement one another. This paper assesses the exploration techniques based on the experience until now. A case study of one fault zone is presented to show how the different exploration methods interact and contribute to a holistic prognosis model. x | |||||
Schachinger, Tobias; Sperger, Lukas; Heissenberger, Roman; Wagner, Oliver Kai | Task Force Drainage (TFD) - The project for life after / Task-Force Dränagen (TFD) - Das Projekt für das Leben danach | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2017 | 779-787 | Topics |
AbstractThe ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG currently has several very large tunnelling projects in Austria. However, not only the construction itself is important for the client, but also that the tunnels can be used as efficiently as possible during their entire service life. Regarding water pressure-relieved tunnel structures, the drainage system is usually the most expensive and time-consuming maintenance activity. For this reason a specialized project, the Task Force Drainage (TFD), was launched to deal with drainage systems during construction and operation. The objectives of the TFD are primarily the concentration of innovation regarding the drainage system, the optimization and systematization of the maintenance process and the specification of necessary components and technologies. Examples are the development of new flushing systems for the drainage system, the development of optimized pipe materials and a uniform inventory of existing drainage systems. These examples are explained in the article. x | |||||
Moritz, Bernd; Pilgerstorfer, Thomas; Pointner, Peter | Koralm Tunnel contract KAT3 - System behaviour in a geotechnically challenging environment / Koralmtunnel Baulos KAT3 - Systemverhalten in einem geomechanisch herausfordernden Umfeld | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 447-457 | Topics |
AbstractThe present paper describes interesting geomechanical aspects from the conventional excavation on the Koralm Tunnel construction contract KAT3 under various conditions. The system behaviour and support concept are discussed and highlighted, both for the shallow tunnels in the vicinity of the western portal, situated in Neogene sediments with faults and those for sections in crystalline hard rock with the highest overburden of 1,200 m. x | |||||
Poisel, Alexander; Weigl, Johannes; Schachinger, Tobias; Vanek, Robert; Nipitsch, Gernot | Semmering Base Tunnel - Excavation of the emergency station in complex ground conditions / Semmering-Basistunnel - Vortrieb der Nothaltestelle in komplexen Gebirgsverhältnissen | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 458-466 | Topics |
AbstractAt the construction lot SBT 2.1 “Tunnel Fröschnitzgraben” of the Semmering Base Tunnel (SBT) in Austria caverns with a cross section up to 300 m2 are excavated in a depth of approximately 400 m, which are the central part of the emergency station. The site arrangement results in a complex situation of large cross sections within a small area. Additionally, complex ground conditions exist, because the degree of fracturing of the rock mass differs frequently and the rock mass strength is occasionally very low. Especially at the intersection of the caverns displacements increase over a long period of time. The observed system behavior is described and analyzed based on the geotechnical design taking the encountered ground conditions into account. Sequences of rock mass sections with different stiffness and strength are of high geomechanical significance due to stress concentrations in the competent areas. This had particular impact on the observed system behavior. With regard to the stability of the overall system influences of various drives and the excavation of large cross sections in several steps must be considered. Moreover, an influence of the excavation size on the extension of the area with displacement increases or stress redistributions must be taken into account. x | |||||
Bergmeister, Konrad; Reinhold, Chris | Learning and optimization from the exploratory tunnel - Brenner Base Tunnel / Lernen und Optimieren vom Erkundungsstollen - Brenner Basistunnel | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 467-476 | Topics |
AbstractThe Brenner Base Tunnel, which is 64 km long from the portal in Tulfes to the portal in Fortezza, consists of two main tunnels and a continuous exploratory tunnel. The exploratory tunnel, located between the two main tunnels, is used during the construction phase for the investigation of the rock mass, thereby reducing the risks of the construction of tunnels. During operation, the exploratory tunnel will serve as a drainage tunnel and will be fundamental for the maintenance of the entire system. At the moment, almost 50 % of the total distance of the exploratory tunnel length has already been completed. This paper first includes a report on the status of the works at the exploratory tunnel, with details of the stretches that have already been driven and the main results of exploration work. The paper also concerns “Learning from the work on the exploratory tunnel”, with a description of the objectives and methods of exploration activities. “Optimization” is a further topic. Several examples are given here how the data gleaned from the exploratory tunnel are used in building the main tunnels. x | |||||
Joham, Kurt; Voringer, Jürgen | DB major project Stuttgart-Ulm, Albaufstieg-Steinbühl Tunnel - Tunnel excavation and lining in karst / DB Großprojekt Stuttgart Ulm Albaufstieg-Steinbühltunnel - Tunnelausbruch und Ausbau im Karst | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 477-488 | Topics |
AbstractThe central problem with tunnelling in karstified rock mass is the karst structures, which can be empty, partially or completely filled. The filling can consist of soil, water or a combination of both. Before the start of tunnelling in the Steinbühl Tunnel, a section of the new DB line between Stuttgart and Ulm, the various structures had to be expected at any time. The associated risks could be reduced through good work preparation, high qualitative investigation measures and good miners and engineers. The geotechnical aspects of tunnelling were of great significance, from the tunnel excavation to the provision of a durable lining. x | |||||
Stärk, Alfred; Pujol, Roser Soler; Hill, Nigel; Kettle, Clif T. | Compensation grouting - Balance between asset protection and collateral damage through the example of Crossrail C510 / Hebungsinjektionen - Balance zwischen Gebäudeschutz und Kollateralschäden am Beispiel von Crossrail C510 | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 489-496 | Topics |
AbstractCrossrail, a new 120 km long railway line, is currently the largest infrastructure project in Europe with a volume of about GBP 15 billion. Contract C510 includes the new Liverpool Street station in the City of London using the sprayed concrete lining method. The station tunnels were excavated in close proximity to a dense network of existing tunnels. The multi-storey office buildings on the densely built up surface include some listed buildings. The aim of compensation grouting in the first place was to avoid settlement due to tunnel construction altogether, or at least minimise the impact within defined limits. Remediation of settlement which occurred regardless was only anticipated in extraordinary circumstances. This paper highlights the difficulties of balancing the desired control of settlement by means of compensation grouting against adverse effects on adjacent structures. The paper closes with a description of how the seemingly impossible lifting of one column eventually worked by localised grouting. x | |||||
Meyer, Patrick; Wiesmeier, Ludwig; Jäntschke, Martin | Refurbishment of masonry tunnels through the example of the Kirchberg Tunnel for the DB Netz AG / Instandsetzung von Mauerwerkstunneln am Beispiel des Kirchbergtunnels der DB Netz AG | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 497-506 | Topics |
AbstractThe finance available for the refurbishment of tunnels was around EUR 125 m. in 2014, which will increase to EUR 213 m. by 2018. DB Netz AG has a total of more than EUR 1 billion available in the medium term for the refurbishment of existing tunnels. This paper deals with the refurbishment of masonry tunnels of the DB Netz AG, Region South. The basis is the typical damage patterns of masonry tunnels, their causes and the possible refurbishment opportunities. On the Kirchberg Tunnel project, a feasibility study was carried out into possible repair measures. Based on the results of the study plans are now running. The article is supplemented by the latest state of the art rules for maintenance work in the area of tunnel construction at DB AG. The necessity of programmes for tunnelling, the necessary economic and operational constraints as well as experience with completed repairs to masonry tunnels conclude the article from the viewpoint of the owner and operator. x | |||||
Honeger, Christian; Engelbogen, Siegfried; Pucher, Michael | Challenges with regard to road tunnel structures - Assement management by Asfinag / Herausforderungen bei Tunnelanlagen - Asset Management der Asfinag | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 507-515 | Topics |
AbstractAsfinag (Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs AG) has the commission to oversee the entire Austrian high-speed road network. Tunnel safety is an important focus. In the period between 2004, when the tunnel improvement programme started, and the first months of 2019, about EUR 5.7 billion will have been invested in the upgrading of tunnels as well as the optimisation of tunnel safety equipment. Along with these investments, there is also a focus on optimising the performance of lifecycles without risking non-compliance with safety standards. Tunnel refurbishment measures are planned and carried out on the basis of regular checks and assessments, taking into consideration requirements with regard to both construction engineering and electrical equipment while at the same time pursuing the aim of optimising cost-effectiveness. This paper also addresses the challenges resulting from the fact that the lifecycle of the tunnel structure differs from that of the tunnel equipment. Both the medium-term and the long-term planning of refurbishment measures should be prepared in detail to the greatest extent possible, so that the organisation can best guarantee both safety and cost-effectiveness. x | |||||
Heissenberger, Roman; Holcik, Alfred | Maintenance of rail tunnels - Strategy with vision / Instandhaltung von Eisenbahntunneln - Strategie mit Weitblick | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 516-523 | Topics |
AbstractRail tunnels in Austria have to be amortized over an economic life of 150 years, so asset allocation has to focus on project control, project support and on predictive maintenance of tunnel lining and dewatering systems. Especially in view of the increase in total tunnel length by more than 100 per cent within the next ten years, the principles of predictive maintenance have to be improved. For this purpose, the development of proofed hybrid multi-scale methods is necessary. These methods have been used in the past to evaluate stresses in shotcrete linings, and future strategies could use the same methods for stress evaluation in the whole support structure. The second major point concentrates on work on monitoring and prediction of deposits in drain pipes. We have to look closely at filling levels and the degree of hardness of the deposits. x | |||||
Rebhan, Matthias J.; Vorwagner, Alois; Kwapisz, Maciej; Marte, Roman; Tschuchnigg, Franz; Burtscher, Stefan L. | Safety assessment of existing retaining structures / Sicherheitsbewertung bestehender Stützbauwerke | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 524-532 | Topics |
AbstractOver the last years, an increase of damages and defects of geotechnical structures has been observed during detailed safety assessments. This is mostly related to the rising age of these structures and the related decrease of the bearing capacity. The handling and dealing with these existing structures will be a challenging task for future civil engineers. This article should give an insight into damages and defects of retaining structures, which are quite difficult to detect and evaluate in terms of safety and risk. The first part of the article gives a short overview on the state of the art when it comes to the safety assessment of existing retaining structures and introduces a new, currently being edited, ÖGG guideline for this field of civil engineering. The second part deals with corrosion-induced damages on cantilever walls and shows first results of the research project SIBS (safety assessment of existing retaining structures). x | |||||
Seywald, Christian; Helmberger, Albert; Matt, Robert | An innovative method of upgrading old rail tunnels under continued operation - Example Rekawinkler- and Kleiner Dürreberg Tunnel / Innovative Methode zur Ertüchtigung alter Eisenbahntunnel unter Betrieb - Beispiel Rekawinkler- und Kleiner Dürrebergtunnel | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 533-541 | Topics |
AbstractThe ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG operates and maintains 246 tunnels and similar structures with an overall length of approx. 250 km. Nearly 150 of these structures are more than 100 years old, 35 of them are over 150 years old. Ageing processes, the impact of train traffic, ground conditions and environmental conditions are causing progressive damage to the tunnel linings, which - in order to maintain safe railway operation - requires ongoing maintenance procedures. Those procedures are carried out under a range of restrictions concerning availability, which is one of the most important principles at the ÖBB after safety. In order to obtain continuous availability of the facility, new methods of refurbishment were developed for the two double-track tunnels Rekawinkler Tunnel and Kleine Dürreberg. The described methods enabled extensive repair works of the tunnels, mostly with uninterrupted train traffic on the second track. x | |||||
Grossauer, Karl; Modetta, Flavio; Tanner, Urs | The "Standard Tunnel Construction Method" of Rhaetian Railways / Die "Normalbauweise Tunnel" der Rhätischen Bahn | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 542-550 | Topics |
AbstractThe Rhaetian Railways AG (RhB) operates an approximately 384 km long rail network, predominantly in the Canton of Graubünden (CH). With much of this rail network being situated in Alpine terrain, extensive engineering infrastructure is used; approx. 20 % of the entire rail system consists of such structures. The majority of these engineering structures are the 115 tunnels with a combined length of 58.7 km, constructed between 1901 and 1914. Due to the age of the tunnels, more than half of the 115 tunnels require renovation. The RhB has estimated that approximately 75 of these tunnel structures (with a combined length of approx. 26 km) will require extensive repair within the next 50 years. Thus a new standardized rehabilitation strategy was developed under the name “Standard Tunnel Construction Method” to ensure that the existing rail tunnels satisfy current tunnel design standards [1]. The primary goal of the “Standard Tunnel Construction Method” is to ensure that renovation costs are consistently lower compared to previous renovations by following a standardized workflow process. The primary challenges associated with such renovations are concerned with determining the extent of repair required for the tunnel as well as creating a feasible concept, which allows for the tunnel to be repaired while still remaining operational. Using the “Standard Tunnel Construction Method”, it is possible to optimize the tunnel rehabilitation strategy while maximizing quality and minimizing monetary costs. x | |||||
Schwarz, Christian; Schierl, Heimo | Integration of reflection seismic data into the documentation during the construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel / Einbindung von Reflexionsseismik in die Dokumentation beim Bau des Brenner Basistunnels | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2017 | 552-560 | Topics |
AbstractThe 64 km long Brenner Base Tunnel will be the longest railway tunnel in the world when complete. As part of this mega project, an exploratory tunnel is currently under construction with a tunnel boring machine ( 8 m). Even though a geological model along the tunnel route was generated beforehand from the results of geological field mapping and deep drilling campaigns from the surface, some uncertainties persist due to the high overburden of up to 1,300 m. In particular, several fault systems intersect the tunnel route, but their position and orientation is uncertain. The excavation work is being documented with geological and geotechnical data, continuously updating the current geological model. Continuous seismic prediction measurements are integrated into this revision process. The aim is the detection, location and characterization of (sub-)perpendicular to (sub-)parallel fault zones ahead and to the side of the tunnel, based on the principle of body wave propagation. In a case study of a seismic campaign, the smooth integration of the acquisition into the regular advance is presented and the obtained 3D seismic models are compared to the geological documentation of the site geologists. It will be shown how the seismic analysis gives an added value for the advance and how it benefits the geological forecast for the forthcoming main tunnels. x |