The 4 km long “S-Bahn” urban rapid transit link to Gateway Gardens is part of the infrastructure development programme “Frankfurt Rhein Main plus”, which is being implemented by the State of Hesse, the region, the City of Frankfurt am Main, the Rhein-Main transport combine and the DB AG. It comprises the construction of an rapid transit line between Frankfurt-Stadion and the Frankfurt Airport regional station, with about 50 % running underground, as well as the building of a new underground station. Construction on the 2 km long, twin-track rapid transit railway tunnel started on 10 November 2016
After an Onsite First Time Assembly (OFTA) of 2.5 months, Atlanta Georgia’s newest TBM, dubbed “Driller Mike”, made its initial startup on October 13, 2016 and ramped up to full production two weeks later. The 3.8 m diameter Robbins Main Beam TBM is now boring the 8.0 km Bellwood Tunnel after being walked forward 30 m into a starter tunnel. The Bellwood Tunnel path will travel from an inactive quarry and run below a water treatment plant and reservoir before ending next to the Chattahoochee River.
In Quito one of the highest metro systems in the world is currently being built. The first line will run over a distance of 22 km through the capital of Ecuador. At an altitude of more than 2800 m above sea level, two recently completed Herrenknecht EPB Shields are set to work their way through the volcanic ground, starting in spring 2017.
As in previous years, the STUVA also undertook a survey of current tunnelling projects in Germany at the turn of the year 2015/2016. The outcome is compiled in tabular form for the month of December 2015 and subsequently assessed. The table follows up its predecessors published for the years 1978 to 2015.
Efficient measuring technologies represent an essential prerequisite for successfully concluding tunnel projects. Ongoing accomplishment of such projects spurs on the development of new measuring technologies and the optimisation of existing ones. Current innovations focus particularly on the driving area of tunnel boring machines (TBMs). This article thus concentrates on a method for the continuous measurement of cutting disc forces, the geological 3D documentation of the TBM face, using a camera system, and a 3D laser scanner system for monitoring the tunnel lining. The new measuring technologies provide a rich field of research and contribute towards a deeper understanding of the interaction between TBM and rock.
London’s water and wastewater system provider, Thames Water, is improving its water quality through a three-stage upgrade. After redeveloping its clarification plants and opening the Lee Tunnel, a combined facility for storage and the conveyance of sewage mixed with rainwater in the east of the city, now the Thames Tideway Tunnel is being tackled. It is the biggest project, entailing investments of ca. 4.2 billion pounds sterling. As from 2023, it is intended to carry sewage from 34 of London’s largest combined sewer overflows over a length of 25 km, store and transfer it to Lee Tunnel. The article in tunnel 8/2016 describes the main construction measures and special features of the Thames Tideway Tunnel, particularly the West Section.
As HOFOR Fjernvarme P/S, the local energy provider in Denmark's capital Copenhagen, invited tenders for the “Distance-heating Tunnel under the Port of Copenhagen” in May 2014, the particular local conditions within the city centre had to be taken into consideration. Furthermore, the needs of a modern and environmentally-sensitive capital city like Copenhagen had to be considered above all, for setting up the construction site and the disposal concept. During the planning stage of the construction project, those responsible within the SMET Company (Belgium) were involved in searching for suitable technical solutions with regard to materials preparation technology.
Following up the successful event in 2014, the 2016 Forum on Injection Technology brought together clients, designers, responsible contractors and the supply industry over two days. The accompanying trade fair attracted 20 exhibitors and sponsors this time around, providing details on latest developments. The high relevance of the topic of injection technology can be seen from the outstanding level of participation. The organisers – the Research Association for Tunnels and Transportation Facilities (STUVA), the Bauverlag and the consultants IBE Ingenieure – were able to welcome 185 participants to the Maternushaus in Cologne on November 9 and 10.
On 11 November 2016, the 45th Geomechanics Colloquium took place in Freiberg, Germany, with 230 participants from 17 countries. This traditional event is organised by the Chair of Rock Mechanics of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg in the proven successful collaboration with the Association of Freiberg Geotechnicians (VGF) and the IfG Leipzig. This year, the Central South University, China, was a co-organiser.
MC-Bauchemie has introduced a new environmentally friendly, mineral oil-based concrete release emulsion onto the market in the form of Ortolan Extra...
The design and construction history of the Gotthard Base Tunnel has set standards for modern tunnel building. Tunnelling projects all over the world will profit from the innovations in tunnelling technology, concrete and waterproofing systems and materials management. In order to ensure this knowledge and practical experience for posterity, the Swiss Tunnelling Society (STS) has now published the reference book “Tunnelling the Gotthard”, a documentation of the project that is unique in this form. After the publication of the German edition for the opening ceremonies in June 2016, the English edition of this project documentation is now available in time for the official start of services in the GBT.
