Geomechanik und Tunnelbau最新文献

The optimization of constructions is becoming increasingly important in view of the growing scarcity of resources. There is considerable potential for increasing the efficiency of tunnel shells in segmental lining by making targeted adjustments to the design and dimensioning of the tunnel segments. A reinforcement concept developed at the Technical University of Vienna offers the opportunity to increase the load-bearing capacity of the segments and optimize resource consumption. This design with butt-jointed longitudinal bars was investigated using large-scale test specimens representing sections of tunnel segments. The tests were carried out in a test frame with a maximum load of 18 MN, which made it possible to test common segment thicknesses of 40 cm on a scale of 1:1. While the experimental loads for the test specimens have already been set in relation to the global warming potential of the materials used in the past, deviating results can be assumed for real segment geometries. By transferring the tests to fictitious, realistic tunnel segments, this work clearly shows that the improved resource efficiency of the reinforcement concept is particularly evident when entire segments are considered. In addition, in contrast to the purely centric test results, considerations are made regarding the handling of eccentricities. Here, the possibilities for arranging the longitudinal bars can be demonstrated using a fictitious segment.

The Pune Metro Project is being undertaken by MahaMetro, as a Special Purpose Vehicle of Government of India and Government of Maharashtra. Pune Metro is aimed to tackle growing traffic congestion and chaos from the increasing population and fast urbanisation and provide comfortable and convenient commute in the city. Pune Metro Phase I will cover an aggregate length of 31.254 km. Corridor 1- Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to Swargate has a length of 16.589 km with 5.09 km underground and 11.5 km elevated, comprising of 14 stations (9 Elevated and 5 Underground), wherein the underground reach is covering two packages, namely, UGC01 and UGC02. MahaMetro has awarded the design and construction works of both packages to Gulermak – TPL Pune Metro JV, with a joint venture of Tandon Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and Geoconsult India Pvt. Ltd. (TCPL-GC JV) as detailed design consultants appointed by Gulermak – TPL Pune Metro JV. This article will deal mainly with package UGC02, where out of reasons of space constraints, two underground stations and the crossover were decided to be done by mined excavation, applying NATM (New Austrian Tunnelling Method). The excavation areas of the mined underground structures are between 187 and 303 m².

When an arch in tunnel construction needs to be reinforced, a temporary, self-supporting support structure is required for the reinforcement. Until now, either support arches or lattice arches have been used for this purpose. The innovative GSR tension arch system has been available since 2018. The name GSR is derived from the German terms ‘gebetteter Spann-Ring’ (embedded tension arch). This illustrates the system's range of applications. It can be used as a circumferential tension ring in the case of fully-round arches, as a tension arch for vaults and as a stress-free mounting system for basic arches. In contrast to the two aforementioned systems, the support structure is not located between the reinforcement layers, but is arranged on the mountain side. This opens up possibilities for designing the reinforced concrete inner shell that were previously not available, both technically and in terms of construction. In addition, the measurements taken throughout the entire installation process ensure a precise result for the concrete cover on the air side. Extensive laboratory and field tests have proved that the GSR tension arch system neither damages the tunnel seal nor impedes its movement during concreting. Since 2018, around 1,400 blocks have been built with the GSR tension arch in various projects. GSR tension arches have been installed in the Brenner Base Tunnel since summer 2024. A total of around 100 km of GSR tension arches will be used here over the next few years. The following section explains how the system works, its compatibility with the waterproofing, its design and its structural features.

TheMahaweli Water Security Investment Program (MWSIP) is the final step of Sri Lanka's Mahaweli Development Plan (MDP), a multi-sector development of the water and land resources of the Mahaweli Ganga (River) Basin and North Central Province and Northern Province. The proposed contribution aims to provide a general description of the MWSIP and to focus on the tunnelling works of the programme. Water transfer tunnels have been designed along the alignment of the different projects of the MWSIP: The contribution will focus on the 26.6 km long tunnel of Contract UECPICB-2A, which is the largest single investment of the programme, and will present the criteria and boundary conditions for the tunnel design, such as the geological and hydrogeological conditions, environmental considerations and in particular the impact on the groundwater regime and proposed mitigation measures. It will provide an update of the current status of execution and elaborate on the main challenges during construction.

Deployment of 110,000 meters of hollow bars from the DSI Hollow Bar System to secure the renovation works of the Elleringhausen Tunnel, more on Page 546. (Photo: Sanvik Ground Support)

This article explores the ongoing transformation of workplace culture within civil and geotechnical engineering in the context of “New work.” Key topics include understanding between generations, working hours, health, and mutual knowledge transfer. While baby boomers often defined their professional identity through presence at the workplace, hierarchy, and long hours, Generations Y and Z increasingly prioritise mental health, diversity, flexibility, and meaningful work. The article analyses how these changes impact a discipline that has traditionally relied heavily on practical experience, physical presence at the work place, and a cultivated “feel for the ground.” At the same time, it shows that these challenges also hold potential – for example, through new forms of cross-generational collaboration and reciprocal knowledge exchange. The article calls for moving beyond binary thinking (“old” vs. “young”) and instead developing sustainable working models that balance presence at the workplace and computer knowledge, intuition and AI – with curiosity, respect, and a touch of humour.

The upcoming EurCOLD bulletins on penstocks, pressure tunnels and shafts offer a comprehensive guide, consolidating decades of best practices, innovations and lessons learnt of past incidents for engineers. They provide an overview of power waterway types and components, critically evaluating existing guidelines and standards to offer state-of-the-art engineering solutions for new hydropower projects and safety evaluations of aging plants. The bulletins cover key linear structures, including open-air and buried penstocks, as well as unlined and lined (concrete or steel) pressure tunnels and shafts. They also provide guidance on applying numerical methods, such as the finite element method, to complex special components like manholes and bifurcations. Emphasis is placed on layout and lining concept selection, with proposed harmonised design criteria and load combinations. Possible frameworks for stochastic approaches are also explored. Crucial aspects like rock mass stability, load-sharing, and hydraulic jacking risks are additionally covered. The bulletins also underscore the importance of inspection and monitoring using modern and advanced methods to ensure the safety and extend the life of both new and existing structures. Ultimately, these bulletins aim to standardise safety concepts and provide technical guidelines, serving as a reference for optimising high-pressure water conveyance systems and enhancing project safety.

EurCOLD Bulletins für Druckrohrleitungen, Druckstollen und Schächte; Ausgewählte Aspekte

Die Wasserkraft spielt eine zentrale Rolle in der europäischen Energiewende – als CO₂-freie Energiequelle und flexibler Speicher bei zunehmender Einspeisung fluktuierender Erneuerbarer. Gleichzeitig besteht ein erheblicher Modernisierungsbedarf bei der alternden Infrastruktur, insbesondere bei den unter Druckabfluss betriebenen Wasserwegen wie Druckstollen, Druckschächten und Rohrleitungen. Deren Versagen kann gravierende wirtschaftliche und sicherheitsrelevante Folgen haben. Trotz ihrer Relevanz fehlt bislang eine europaweit einheitliche Normung für Bemessung, Kontrolle und Instandhaltung solcher Bauwerke. Die EurCOLD-Arbeitsgruppe ”Penstocks, Pressure Shafts and Pressure Tunnels“ erarbeitet daher eine technische Bulletinserie, die bewährte Verfahren, moderne Inspektionstechnologien sowie aktuelle Forschungsansätze zusammenführt. Im Zentrum stehen Schadensanalyse, moderne ROV-gestützte Inspektionstechnologien sowie der Vergleich aktueller Bemessungsmethoden – etwa zwischen analytischen, FEM-gestützten Konzepten und ingenieurpraktischen, grafisch-iterativen Ansätzen Auch der Abgleich internationaler Normen wird adressiert. Die Bulletins zielen auf eine Harmonisierung der Praxis, um die Betriebssicherheit und Lebensdauer von Triebwasserwegen zu verbessern. Dieser Artikel diskutiert einen Auszug daraus.

The Bronzolo Tunnel will have a total length of 702 meters and represents a central component of a large-scale bypass project aimed at significantly improving the quality of life for residents in the communities of Leives, Pineta di Laives, and Bronzolo (see cover image). The tunnel will be constructed using mining techniques in loose rock, employing the proven AT - Pipe Umbrella System, which provides additional stability and safety during construction (see illustration above). More detailed information about the tunnel construction project can be found on pages 320-321. (Source: Sandvik Ground Support – mining.sandvik/groundsupport, Photo: STRABAG)