New railway Dresden–Prague: Ore Mountains tunnel—Preliminary design using BIM

Abstract

The Dresden–Prague railway line is an important part of the core TEN-T Orient/Eastern Mediterranean corridor and a major link between Germany and the Czech Republic. The aim of the project is to reduce journey times for international passenger trains and increase capacity for freight trains. At the same time, it will extend the railway network in Central Europe and develop high-speed transport in the Czech Republic. The project will also provide a flood-safe alternative to the Elbe Valley, encouraging a modal shift from road to rail. The core element of this project is the cross-border base tunnel under the Ore Mountains. During the preliminary design, two basic alternatives (“full tunnel” and “partial tunnel”) are being examined. It was announced on November 20, 2023, that the preferred option for the new Dresden–Prague line is the “full tunnel” alternative. For this reason, the article focuses mainly on the technical solutions for the Ore Mountain Tunnel of the “full tunnel” alternative. The BIM methodology was a key element in the preliminary design phase. The model was to be used as the main source of information in the design process and in the development of solutions. It also allowed detailed decisions to be made at an early stage.