The preparatory works for the new Semmering Base Tunnel

Extensive preparatory works for the new Semmering Base Tunnel (SBTn) project have been underway in Styria since March 2012 and in Niederösterreich since April 2012, in numerous construction sections and contracts. In the Gloggnitz construction section (PGG) on contract PGG1, one of six contracts in Gloggnitz, the works included two rail bridges, two trough structures, one road bridge, various flood protection works, a landfill for excavated spoil and three lifts at Gloggnitz station. The contract also dealt with landscaping for land rehabilitation and the site facilities area. In the construction section Tunnel Fröschnitzgraben (SBT2), contracts SBT2.2 and SBT2.3 include a drinking water supply plant, the infrastructure for the site facilities area at Fröschnitzgraben, a temporary site access road from the S06 Semmering Schnellstraße, two site roads, improvement of the L117 Pfaffensattelstraße, noise protection measures and extensive preparations for the landfill site in the Longsgraben. The section with contracts SBT2.5 and SBT2.4 also made extensive felling work and planting and reforestation necessary. On contract PGG1, an extensive slope cutting was formed for the construction of the Gloggnitz Portal area, and contract SBT2.3 constructed extensive embankments as reinforced earth retaining structures. Geotechnical safety management is applied to ensure the geotechnically safe and economic implementation of these measures.

Authors: Jörg R. Müller, Nina M. Zettl, Tobias Schachinger

Article from Geomechanics and Tunnelling 6/2013