Tunnels
Tunnel solutions
In tunnel projects, we draw on our extensive experience, not least in the fields of geotechnical engineering, rock mechanics and technical equipment.
Tunnels are important elements of an integrated infrastructure system to reduce the strain on the surface transport network. However, the demands placed on infrastructure construction are high: in terms of planning, design and technology, but also in relation to the increasingly high and diverse requirements of our society and environment. We see tunnels as part of an overall transport system.
Our expertise just starts with tunnel construction in itself – the seamless integration of our specialists from various fields allows us to provide our customers with tailor-made systems for all aspects of rail, regional and road transport and power plant construction.
The tunnel: From construction to installation
With low overburden and suitable ground conditions, tunnel construction using the open-cut method is often the most economical option. The structure is built in a construction pit and then backfilled (cut-and-cover). This construction method is also frequently used near the portals of driven tunnels, often in conjunction with ventilation structures or technical rooms.
Whether the tunnel is constructed as a cut-and-cover or a driven tunnel, AFRY offers complex tunnel advance solutions.
Tunnels are important elements of an integrated infrastructure system.
Road and rail tunnels form part of transportation networks and help relieve congestion in city centres.
Railway tunnels
Railway tunnels play an important role in modern and efficient railway infrastructure. AFRY has many years of experience in railway tunnel construction, having worked on prestigious small and large-scale projects in the field of national and international transit transport and mass transport in cities.
Whether in national or international through traffic or mass transport in urban centres, AFRY has been involved in projects in both areas for decades. Thanks to their experience and expertise, our engineers contribute to innovative and reliable solutions.
Road tunnels
The need for mobility is increasing and traffic volumes are growing. Despite ongoing investment, road traffic is reaching capacity limits. Challenging tasks await us as road traffic capacity reaches its limits. Road tunnels play an important role in this context. Efficient, safe and, above all, environmentally friendly solutions are needed to expand the road network.
The tunnel engineers work hand in hand with specialists in technical equipment, drainage and the environment to achieve this.
Underground facilities: Galleries, shafts and caverns
Entire facilities can be relocated underground by means of underground structures such as galleries, shafts and caverns.
Hydropower plants: waterways and cavern power stations
In a hydroelectric power plant, waterways are needed to transport water and wastewater and generate sustainable hydroelectric power. We are proud to look back on 130 years of experience in the design of hydroelectric power plants. AFRY has a high level of expertise in the design and dimensioning of waterways, a topic of great technical importance and significant influence on construction costs.
Landfills and other underground facilities
However, other underground structures such as landfills also require access for ventilation and the transport of goods and people. What applies horizontally also applies vertically: excavation, securing and final development of shafts are AFRY's specialty.
Equipment determines smart operation
Smart tunnels are the future: AFRY's tunnel experts collect and analyse data through the targeted use of sensors. This reduces time, resources and costs, enabling customers to operate their investments intelligently while guaranteeing the highest safety standards. Benefit from our extensive experience and multidisciplinary expertise, which we have acquired over many decades in numerous projects and combine effectively with new technologies.
Our services and expertise at a glance
AFRY applies state-of-the-art techniques in the development of integrated and cost-effective solutions to tunnelling projects, responding immediately and effectively to client needs. Our team of highly qualified engineers and geologists offers the full range of services in geotechnical engineering and rock mechanics. Our expertise is based on our global experience in designing challenging underground structures in difficult geological conditions.
Services
We offer complete project development, from conceptual and feasibility studies to monitoring of excavations and on-site determination of support.
- Strategic planning: formulation of requirements, solution strategies, optimisation
- Preliminary studies: project definition, feasibility study, selection process
- Project planning: planning and design of tunnels and underground structures in the basic design, detail design, approval process and during the public consultation phase
- Tendering: call for tenders, comparison of bids, award proposal
- Implementation: construction design, construction management and supervision of implementation, commissioning
- Management: operation, structural monitoring and maintenance
Our areas of expertise
Technical knowledge, practical experience on-site, participation in international forums and familiarity with modern computer technology all guarantee that all challenges are met. Our goal is to provide technically optimised solutions that minimise cost and risk.
- Underground mining
- Geotechnics and rock mechanics
- Surveying
- Tunnel ventilation and safety
- Communication and control technology
- Fire protection
- Acoustics and vibration
Interested in Tunnels?
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