Grand Paris Express, Line 17, Lot 1 – TBM Tunnelling and Alternative Shaft Construction Method

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

1 Schematic diagram of the Grand Paris Express

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

2 Grand Paris Express, Line 17, Lot 1

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

3 Summary of granulometric analyses of “Sables de Beauchamp” (SB)

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

4 View behind the EPB-TBM and screw conveyor (with W&F Tunnel Construction Manager Philippe Patret, responsible for the second tunnel drive)

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

5 View of the tunnel during excavation, featuring conveyor belt, ventilation system and walkway

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

6 Tunnelling performance, variance comparison

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

7 VSM construction site, view from above

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

8 Constructing the crown beam

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

9 Installation of the cutting ring and coupling with the lowering units

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

10 Coupling of the four independent lowering units for
controlled shaft sinking

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

11 Cutting arm of the VSM

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

12 Installation of the precast segmental lining ring before the controlled lowering of the shaft lining

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

13 Segmental lining: Vertical bolting and sealing joint

Credit/Quelle: Wayss & Freytag

It is an ambitious plan set to revolutionize the Paris transportation network: the Grand Paris Express. A completely new metro ring with four new lines. The new network, spanning approximately 200 kilometres, includes 68 stations to connect millions of commuters more quickly and efficiently to the Paris city centre and the three Parisian airports. The realization of the Grand Paris Express includes the extension of an existing metro line (Line 14) and the construction of four new metro lines in the inner and outer ring zones (Lines 15, 16, 17, and 18; Fig. 1). Completion is planned for 2030, but even in the early construction phases, it became clear: this is no ordinary infrastructure project. Line 17, in particular – intended to connect northern Paris with Le Mesnil-Amelot – posed major challenges for the engineering and construction team.

The construction work was carried out by the internationally renowned consortium „Avenir“, consisting of:

Demathieu-Bard Construction

BAM (Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau AG, Stadsbader Contractors, Galère SA)

Implenia (France, Switzerland, Germany)

Impresa Pizzarotti & C. S.p.A.

The Lot 1 section of this line (Fig. 2) was of particular importance as it provided the much-needed connection of Le Bourget Airport to the metro network. The project involved the construction of a twin-track bored tunnel as well as two new metro stations. Construction work began in January 2019, requiring an impressive...