Journal articles
Author(s) | Title | Journal | Issue | Page | Category |
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Sala, Alex; Wick, Raphael | Gotthard Base Tunnel - Technical project overview / Gotthard-Basistunnel - Technische Projektübersicht | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2016 | 94-110 | Topics |
AbstractThe 57 km long Gotthard Base Tunnel from Erstfeld to Bodio is not only the longest but with an overburden of about 2, 300 m also the deepest rail tunnel in the world. The tunnel system consists of two parallel single-track tunnels with the axes 40 m apart (in fault zones up to 70 m), connected every 312.5 m by a total of 178 cross passages. The two multi-function stations at the approximate third points in Sedrun and Faido have an emergency station for each running tunnel and two track crossovers. x | |||||
Gruber, Luzi R.; Holstein, Uwe | Conventional tunnel drives at Sedrun / Konventionelle Vortriebe Sedrun | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2016 | 111-128 | Topics |
AbstractThe Sedrun section in the middle of the Gotthard Base Tunnel was critical in terms of scheduling and without doubt the section with the most complicated logistics. The article gives an overview of the complex overall construction measures and describes in detail the geotechnical and logistical challenges that had to be overcome. x | |||||
Röthlisberger, Bruno; Spörri, Daniel; Rehbock, Michael | Unexpected difficult ground conditions in the multi-function Station Faido / Unerwartet schwierige Baugrundverhältnisse in der Multifunktionsstelle Faido | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2016 | 129-138 | Topics |
AbstractThe multi-function station (MFS) Faido, with track crossovers located symmetrically around the transverse cavern, is accessed through a 2.7 km long access tunnel. The geology encountered in the transverse cavern and the first metres of boring the running tunnels was very different from the forecast. Technical, economic and scheduling considerations demanded the moving of the four crossovers by 600 m to the south. In the drill and blast excavation of the single-track tunnel to the north, deformations of up to 1.3 m occurred in the radius. In addition to the dangers of “squeezing rock” and “rock fall”, unforecast and serious rock burst also occurred in the east and west running tunnels, which could not have been foreseen. Yielding temporary support measures had to be carried out along a length of 500 m and sometimes massively strengthened. x | |||||
Hitz, Arthur; Kruse, Matthias | The mountain from the mountain - On dealing with excavated material / Der "Berg aus dem Berg" - Bewirtschaftung des Tunnelausbruchmaterials | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2016 | 139-145 | Topics |
AbstractThe article describes how the great challenge of managing the material excavated during the construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel was overcome. The recycling of material from mechanized tunnelling as high-grade aggregates and the development of high-quality concrete mixes demanded new methods and set new standards. At the same time, the environmental impact could be considerably reduced and considerable cost savings were achieved. x | |||||
Doppmann, Gregor; Burri, Monika; Wick, Raphael | Success story: Environmental monitoring during construction at Erstfeld-Amsteg / Erfolgsgeschichte Umweltbaubegleitung Erstfeld-Amsteg | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2016 | 146-157 | Topics |
AbstractThe provisions of the planning approval for the Gotthard Base Tunnel required more than 1, 000 environmental measures for the Amsteg and Erstfeld sections, arranged in 80 detail projects. The environmental aspect was also of great significance for the client. Therefore AlpTransit Gotthard AG provided sufficient resources to be able to implement the project successfully from the environmental point of view. The article is concentrated on selected aspects and explains their special features. The integration of environmental monitoring into the local construction supervision team; soil protection and cultivation; the problem of nitrite in the site wastewater; and dust and noise emissions are dealt with in detail, along with the ecological opportunities of a large construction site. A description of the usual conditions and measures affecting a tunnel site is intentionally omitted. x | |||||
Spyridis, Panagiotis; Konstantis, Spyridon; Gakis, Angelos | Performance indicator of tunnel linings under geotechnical uncertainty | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 2/2016 | 158-164 | Topics |
AbstractIn the process of dimensioning a tunnel lining support an optimized structural system is pursued that can accommodate the inherent uncertainties associated with the geotechnical, hydro-geological, and environmental conditions. Particularly for geotechnics, uncertainty has become a major issue of scientific discussion according to a number of recent publications. At the same time, advanced performance criteria often require probabilistic assessments in order to quantify a structure's safety and reliability or to inform life-cycle engineering decisions. This contribution demonstrates a novel design approach for the design assessment of concrete tunnel linings. The Index for the Capacity Utilization of Linings in Tunnels (CULT-I) introduced herein, facilitates the quantification of reliability of a tunnel lining support, while it aids toward a rationalized, performance-based design optimization with considerations on geotechnical uncertainty. A typical case of a shallow urban tunnel excavated in soft ground using the TBM method is presented, demonstrating the practical application and feasibility of the proposed approach. x | |||||
Barla, Giovanni; Tamburini, Andrea; Del Conte, Sara; Giannico, Chiara | InSAR monitoring of tunnel induced ground movements | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2016 | 15-22 | Topics |
AbstractThis paper introduces InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) as an advanced tool for measuring and monitoring surface ground movements over time, with interest in all phases of a tunnel project, both in urban and non-urban areas. Following a preliminary overview of the technology used to compile radar images of the earth's surface, the multi-image techniques (Persistent Scatterers Interferometry, PSI) and the InSAR algorithm (SqueeSAR) are briefly outlined. Two examples of InSAR data applied to tunnelling projects are presented. In the first case, the integration of InSAR surface measurements into monitoring by conventional methods is discussed as a tool for providing useful information to study the relationship between tunnelling and surface settlements. In the second case, the temporal evolution of ground displacements provided by SqueeSAR is applied in order to understand the link between tunnel excavation and surface movements, along a slope under passed by two large tunnels. x | |||||
Rabensteiner, Klaus; Chmelina, Klaus | Tunnel monitoring in urban environments | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2016 | 23-28 | Topics |
AbstractUrban tunnel projects such as new metro lines face particular challenges. Shallow overburden, difficult (hydro)geological conditions and sensitive buildings in close proximity are risks that often cannot be avoided, demanding large and complex geotechnical monitoring programmes. This paper considers the current situation of tunnel monitoring in urban environments and describes two specific monitoring solutions, one for shafts and one for structures, and emphasises the importance of efficient data management with the assistance of a tunnel information system. Finally, the paper gives an overview of recent research activity and emerging sensing technologies. x | |||||
Barla, Giovanni; Antolini, Francesco; Gigli, Giovanni | 3D Laser scanner and thermography for tunnel discontinuity mapping | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2016 | 29-36 | Topics |
AbstractDiscontinuity mapping of tunnels during excavation is a key component of the interactive observational design approach. One requirement is to verify the geological and geomechanical predictions made at the design stage. In recent years, fully automated, remote-based techniques such as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and Infrared Thermography (IRT) have become available, and their applications have increased, reducing the time needed to obtain complete geomechanical mapping of the rock mass. The effective use of these techniques is of great interest in tunnelling where the need arises for the operators to work close to the tunnel face. This paper presents a discussion of the main technical features of TLS and IRT, as well as data processing methods, followed by a case study of a tunnel excavated in the NW Italian Alps. x | |||||
Kieffer, D. Scott; Valentin, Gerald; Unterberger, Klaus | Continuous real-time slope monitoring of the Ingelsberg in Bad Hofgastein, Austria | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2016 | 37-44 | Topics |
AbstractThe Ingelsberg in Bad Hofgastein, Austria, is a highly hazardous mountain slope in the State of Salzburg. The Ingelsberg exhibits periodic episodes of instability, prompting major efforts to construct rock fall retention basins and safety nets to mitigate risks associated with future slope failures. As the results of traditional slope monitoring have proved rather ambiguous, continuous real-time monitoring of the Ingelsberg was performed from March 2013 through July 2014. The monitoring was undertaken with a Ground Based Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (GB-InSAR). The data set of approximately 130, 000 radar scans represent the first long-term GB-InSAR measurements made in Austria, and indicate an episodic pseudo-sheeting failure process, somewhat analogous to the calving of a glacier front. Furthermore, reasonable time of failure predictions for rock fall events having volumes of only several tens of cubic meters could be made from the data set. The GB-InSAR monitoring provides significant insight regarding the overall slope behavior, failure tendencies, and associated geotechnical hazards of the Ingelsberg. x | |||||
Gaich, Andreas; Pischinger, Gerald | 3D images for digital geological mapping - Focussing on conventional tunnelling | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2016 | 45-51 | Topics |
Abstract3D images combine visual and geometric information making them an obvious source for capturing and characterising rock surfaces especially when there are constrained time and access conditions. By taking photographs with an off-the-shelf camera and using modern algorithms from photogrammetry, 3D imaging has become state of the art on many conventional tunnel construction sites. Data is acquired on a daily basis, processed, geologically assessed, and finally stored in a suitable data base. The contribution provides a brief introduction of the technology and its measurement capabilities, as well as a description of the practical application during the construction of the 8 km long Gleinalmtunnel in Austria. x | |||||
Horner, Johannes; Naranjo, Andrés; Weil, Jonas | Digital data acquisition and 3D structural modelling for mining and civil engineering - the La Colosa gold mining project, Colombia | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 1/2016 | 52-57 | Topics |
AbstractDigital data acquisition, data management and 3D modelling techniques are common techniques in the mining industry. On the other hand, civil engineering projects still lag behind in applying advanced technologies during geological reconnaissance and investigation. The La Colosa gold mining project (Colombia) is presented as an example, where sophisticated digital mapping techniques and 3D geological modelling is not only used for mining related issues, but is also successfully applied for the geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations of adjacent civil engineering sites of the associated mine infrastructure. x | |||||
Schneider, Klaus; Egger, Jürgen | Koralmbahn quo vadis - Current State of the new Koralmbahn Line and essential Milestones / Koralmbahn quo vadis - Aktueller Status und wesentliche Meilensteine | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 472-480 | Topics |
AbstractThe 130 km long Koralmbahn line between Graz and Klagenfurt is one of the most significant transport infrastructure projects in Europe. It is part of the new southern route and thus an important link in the Baltic-Adriatic corridor. The key structure on the Koralmbahn line is the 32.9 km long Koralm Tunnel - but construction of the new high speed line will also require 12 new stations and stops, more than 100 bridges and underbridges as well as numerous further tunnels. In Austrias point of view, the Koralmbahn line will represent a considerable structural improvement, especially for Southeast Austria as an industrial location. The quickest journey time between Graz and Klagenfurt will be considerably reduced from currently almost three hours to 45 minutes, with a simultaneous improvement of accessibility. x | |||||
Kiesling, Andreas; Glösl, Harald; Nussbaumer, Alex | The third tunnel boring machine for the Koralm Tunnel / Die dritte Tunnelvortriebsmaschine für den Koralmtunnel | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 481-488 | Topics |
AbstractOn contract KAT3 of the Koralm Tunnel, a multi-mode tunnel boring machine with a diameter of 9,940 mm and an overall length of about 250 m will be used. The capability of the machine to be rebuilt from earth pressure to hard rock mode will enable it to bore through geologically different rock mass zones. It will be assembled in the launching excavation at Mitterpichling and at the west portal on the site facilities area, where the entire necessary infrastructure and segment production plant are situated. The particular geological challenges demand preliminary trials and special equipment on the tunnel boring machine. x | |||||
Moritz, Bernd; Pilgerstorfer, Thomas; Pointner, Peter | Experience of conventional excavation in crystalline rock mass on Koralm Tunnel contract KAT3 / Erfahrungen beim zyklischen Vortrieb im Kristallinabschnitt des Bauloses KAT3 | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 489-502 | Topics |
AbstractThe present paper discusses experience gained during tunnelling in a crystalline rock mass on Koralm Tunnel contract KAT3. It reports on the benefits and information gained from preventer-supported exploratory drillings up to 250 m long, which were performed in consideration of predicted high water pressures in marble layers. Another case study points out the geological/geotechnical situation in a fault, featuring the remarkable finding that despite the high overburden, only small displacement magnitudes were measured, which is in stark contrast to experience gained on tunnel projects in comparable conditions. The paper concludes with the analysis of system behaviour observed in sections with highest overburden of 1,200 m. Although only small displacement magnitudes were measured, overstressing of the shotcrete lining was observed. A successful support concept was found by a targeted utilization of deformation gaps in the shotcrete lining in combination with adaptation of rock bolting according to the encountered structural situation. x | |||||
Posch, Helmut; Nahold, Manfred; Kager, Matthias; Kolb, Erich; Bauer, Felix; Huber, Markus | Responsible handling of tunnel spoil through the example of Koralm Tunnel contract KAT2 / Verantwortungsvoller Umgang mit Tunnelausbruch am Beispiel Koralmtunnel, Baulos KAT2 | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 503-517 | Topics |
AbstractContract KAT2 will altogether produce about 8.6 m. t of excavated material. Most of this will be used as fill for various purposes or processed as aggregates for concrete production. This article deals with the management of the material excavated from the tunnel and of material, which has been affected by ground improvement measures or could have been contaminated during excavation or transport. Causes for chemical problems and risks with waste are identified, and possibilities and solutions for technically correct recycling or disposal in compliance with the conditions of waste management law are presented. As an example, the influence of selected additives such as cement or resin foam is discussed. There is also a description of investigation results into the evidence that high concentrations occur in the determination of iron and aluminium in the eluate. These parameters are of significance for the recycling of rock since they are limited under the Austrian federal waste management plan (BAWP). x | |||||
Zwittnig, Gerald | The Lavanttal area: Construction phase node point in the key area of the Koralmbahn / Der Raum Lavanttal: Knotenpunkt in der Bauphase im Kernbereich der Koralmbahn | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 518-526 | Topics |
AbstractThe new Koralm railway line between Graz and Klagenfurt will connect the Lavanttal region in Lower Carinthia to the European railway network. This area is already a sensitive junction point, where activities for the adjacent tunnel building contracts and the future InterCity station overlap concerning construction time and available space. Activities will intensify in the technical equipment installation phase and demand well coordinated preliminary planning. Extensive framework conditions and requirements were already taken into account in the planning of the railway line to the new station, which is to fulfil development and intermodal connection functions resulting in a purposeful and modern configuration, also taking maintenance and tunnel rescue into account. The construction, equipment and activation phases in the Lavanttal region are being coordinated with detailed planning of procedures and logistics, with regular updates and refinements. x | |||||
Gschwandtner, Gunter G.; Höhndorf, Markus; Übleis, Martin | The Granitztal tunnel chain / Tunnelkette Granitztal | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 527-534 | Topics |
AbstractThe Granitztal tunnel chain, located after the Koralm Tunnel in a southward direction and adjoining the new IC station in the Lavanttal, essentially consists of the Deutsch Grutschen and Langer Berg Tunnels, which are being excavated cyclically, and the Granitztal gallery in cut-and-cover. The article offers a general overview of the project, described the geological and geotechnical conditions and compares the experience gained in the current early construction phase with the underlying conditions for design and tendering. x | |||||
Benedikt, Johannes; Berger, Klaus; Koinig, Josef | Current state of design and construction for the St. Kanzian tunnel chain / Aktueller Planungs- und Ausführungsstand der Tunnelkette St. Kanzian | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 535-546 | Topics |
AbstractThe St. Kanzian tunnel chain lies near the Völkermarkt reservoir and is part of the Mittlern-Althofen approval section of the Koralmbahn line in Carinthia. Of the six tunnels in the St. Kanzian tunnel chain, the 495 m long Kühnsdorf green tunnel (cut-and-cover) has already been completed. The construction of the 230 m long Peratschitzen green tunnel (a cut-and-cover noise protection tunnel) and the 620 m long Srejach Tunnel (top-down construction) started in summer 2015. Work should start on the Untersammelsdorf, Stein and Lind Tunnels (all mined tunnels), in spring/summer 2016. The tunnels lie partially in challenging geological conditions (lacustrine sediments), all with shallow overburden, and require special measures for support and ground improvement (bored piles, jet grouting). Particular attention has been paid to later maintenance costs, which have to be considered in the course of the design work. x | |||||
Gobiet, Gerhard; Nipitsch, Gernot | The long path to approval of the Semmering Base Tunnel and the effect on construction progress / Der lange Weg zur Genehmigung des Semmering-Basistunnels und Auswirkungen auf den Bauablauf | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 547-553 | Topics |
AbstractWith the ruling of the Austrian federal administrative court in May 2015, all necessary permits have now been issued for the construction of the Semmering Base Tunnel. The project is one of the most reviewed projects in Austria, and as the other authorities had done previously, the federal administrative court once again confirmed the environmental acceptability of the project. Until the judgement of the constitutional high court with the revocation of the construction permit (served on 10 February 2014), all necessary preliminary works had been carried out on schedule and within budget since 2012. The preliminary works started in the Fröschnitzgraben in January 2014 could however only be continued with limitations on the basis of official notifications issued without preliminary investigation. No construction could take place at the landfill site due to the lack of a decision under the waste management law. Only after the ruling by the federal administrative court could the construction works be resumed at full pace. Works started soon after in the Gloggnitz tunnel section in Lower Austria on 1 July 2015. Construction works for the third and final tunnel section, Grautschenhof , were officially tendered on 2 September 2015. By 2016, all tunnel construction contracts should be continuously under construction. x | |||||
Wagner, Oliver Kai; Haas, Dieter; Druckfeuchter, Hubert; Schachinger, Tobias | The challenges of contract SBT1.1 "Tunnel Gloggnitz" / Die Herausforderungen des Bauloses SBT1.1 Tunnel Gloggnitz | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 554-567 | Topics |
AbstractThe second of the three tunnelling contract sections of the Semmering Base Tunnel is of comparable complexity to the first contract section SBT2.1. The geotechnical and hydrological conditions for sequential tunnelling are demanding and require extensive grouting and investigation measures in advance of the drives. The enormous extent of the construction works and the need to access parts of the running tunnels through an intermediate construction access are a logistical challenge. The construction time is also very ambitious. These circumstances had to be considered in the production of the tender documents. x | |||||
Klais, Frank; Wagner, Oliver K.; Proprenter, Michael; Wolf, Petra | Particular aspects of the tendering contract SBT3.1 "Tunnel Grautschenhof" / Besondere Aspekte des Ausschreibungsprojekts SBT3.1 Tunnel Grautschenhof | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 568-580 | Topics |
AbstractThe present invitation to tender for the third tunneling contract of the Semmering Base Tunnel is the last one to complete the tunnel. This contract section has not reached the dimensions of its preceding sections SBT2.1 and SBT1.1 concerning the extent of construction work and time for completion. Nonetheless it emerged to an extremely complex project caused by a gain of knowledge regarding the ground conditions, during the process of preparing the tender documents. This knowledge led to an adjustment containing comprehensive grouting measures and a temporary intermediate construction access via two vertical shafts. Furthermore a sophisticated order of construction sequences for the installation of facilities in the invert and the concrete lining had to be issued, which considered a progressive takeover by subsequent contractors. Additional challenges arose because the tendering documents were adjusted while concurrently the design of documents for the partial modification of the construction permission had to be prepared. x | |||||
Gaich, Andreas; Pötsch, Markus | 3D images for data collection in tunnelling - applications and latest developments / 3D-Bilder für die Datenerfassung im Tunnelbau - Anwendung und aktuelle Entwicklungen | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 6/2015 | 581-588 | Topics |
Abstract3D images combine geometric and visual data in a model that allows quick and easy inspection and interpretation on a computer. On-going improvements of digital cameras and algorithms in photogrammetry, in particular for simultaneous processing of large sets of overlapping photos to a single consistent 3D model, have led to several applications of 3D images in tunnelling. 3D images are now used on conventional tunnel construction sites for digital face documentation and tunnel face mapping. 3D images are also suitable in mechanised tunnelling for capturing usually occluded areas of the tunnel face and visualising them in three dimensions. Furthermore, 3D images are generated from aerial imagery for documentation and volumetric assessment of deposited tunnel excavation material. x | |||||
Isago, Nobuharu; Kawata, Kosuke; Kusaka, Atsushi; Ishimura, Toshiaki | Long-term deformation of mountain tunnel lining and ground under swelling rock condition | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2015 | 380-386 | Topics |
AbstractTo monitor deformation in a road tunnel in service, periodical inspections are performed and countermeasures are taken as needed. Cracking of the permanent lining and heaving of the road surface often occur, however, so it is difficult to assess the development of such deformation features from data acquired during the construction and service stages. In this paper, the deformation mechanism and the effect of countermeasures are discussed based on the results of in situ measurements over a six-year period and of numerical analysis. The relationship between tunnel deformation and the occurrence of defects is examined using boring data. The mechanism of tunnel deformation when the characteristics of the ground indicates a swelling condition, and the relationship between the load acting on tunnel lining and the behaviour of countermeasures are also mentioned. x | |||||
Marcher, Thomas; Bauer, Steffen; Allende, Marcos; Mathiesen, Carlos | Valhalla - Innovative pumped hydro storage facilities in Chile: Challenges from a rock mechanical point of view | Geomechanics and Tunnelling | 5/2015 | 387-393 | Topics |
AbstractThis paper presents a unique pumped hydro storage facility using the ocean as a lower reservoir, combined with solar photovoltaic to create consistent, clean power. This project will allow for large-scale renewable energy adoption in Chile. The country's Atacama Desert has one of the best solar resources of the world. Unfortunately, the electricity grid in that northern region has one of the highest carbon footprints in the world because almost all of the electricity generation comes from fossil fuel power plants. Nearly 90 % of the demand on that northern grid is from mining companies. Their operations' energy needs are high and constant - day and night, and as a result the mining companies will not assume the intermittency risk of renewable energy resources. Until now, solar and wind developers have only been able to offer intermittent solutions and, therefore, have been unable to sign major power purchase agreements. x |