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Storage sites for tunnel excavation material – challenges and approach using the Gotthard and Ceneri Base Tunnels as examples
Author(s) -
Schwalt Markus,
Rabaiotti Carlo
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
geomechanics and tunnelling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.317
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 1865-7389
pISSN - 1865-7362
DOI - 10.1002/geot.201700057
Subject(s) - excavation , process (computing) , construction engineering , base (topology) , work (physics) , lead (geology) , civil engineering , site planning , engineering , computer science , mining engineering , geology , geotechnical engineering , mechanical engineering , mathematical analysis , mathematics , geomorphology , operating system
The 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.