Metro

In this context, detailed geotechnical investigations, a good understanding of the ground behaviour during tunnelling, and a robust design are essential for successful tunnelling in urban areas. We work with international geologists using the latest tools available to fully comprehend and modell the geology and all its specificities.

Our 3D Models made with Leapfrog (an implicit modelling software) allow us to integrate the hydrogeology with the engineering designs. The geology is implicitly modelized directly from the topography and the boreholes and the hydrology from the Piezometric data. From the BIM of the different structures of the project, we can visualize the project. The ground movement, like landslides, can be integrated with the satellite interferometric data we receive when needed. All those data reassembled in one model help the engineer or the owner in their everyday work, especially in the early phases of a project when it changes often. For example, we can visualize the flood area, automatically extract the volume for each lithology of excavated material, estimate the ground settlement along the tunnel alignment, or extract the data directly in an EF software (plaxis, Zsoil, …) for a more nuanced settlement analysis. During the construction phase, the auscultation data can be visualized directly in the model, helping us to understand the ground's behaviour around the excavation and to make the right decisions as quickly as possible. 

The essence of tunnelling in urban areas is the multitude and combination of different aspects that need to be considered: the generally shallow overburden, the difficult ground conditions, the presence of major sensitive structures and historic buildings in the direct vicinity of the project, the potential impact on existing structures and the subsequent disturbance on the residents’ life. A robust design, the use of the latest technologies in tunnelling, the implementation of ground improvement, and a robust instrumentation and monitoring program that will identify potential issues early and implement corrective actions are the keys to a successful urban project.

Amberg Engineering has many years of experience in all types of soft ground tunnel construction, both conventionally and with tunnel boring machines. We have gathered our knowledge by building metros around the world and deepened it by closely cooperating with researchers and industry as you can discover in our test gallery in Hagerbach (Switzerland). This means we are able to select the right technology for the particular local requirements.

Our experts work with the most appropriate tunnelling methods, select the correct lining and deliver the optimum alignment. On top of this, we can count on the expertise of our colleagues from Amberg Technologies to provide the best solutions in terms of monitoring.

Amberg Engineering has experience in underground stations using “top-down”, “bottom-up” and mixed construction methods depending on geology, space availability on surface and depth of excavation.

The top-down construction method is generally applied to soil geology and where the space at the top is scarce  In this construction method, a permanent retaining structure in form of Diaphragm walls is created first. This is then followed up with the construction of slabs with excavation followed from top to bottom. . The remaining internal structures are then raised bottom-up after completion of the outer station box. .
 

BOTTOM-UP For installing permanent structures several temporary retaining structures are deployed to perform rock cutting and excavations. Some of the temporary structures applied in weak rock involve secant piling supported by struts and walers while in sloped hard rock excavations, rock anchors/bolts are applied. The entire station is excavated to the base by installing temporary supports. This is followed up by permanent structures are raised from the bottom by installing shuttering for walls and slabs.

At Amberg, we have a strong and competent team of professionals dealing with the structural design of all the above types of complexities.

While twin-tube tunnels are the trend in Asia and some European cities, the single tube tunnel with double track is getting more popular in Europe, where most of the new metro projects are being built using this configuration. The large single tube tunnel with a deck and superimposed tracks is more rarely used and is only adapted in particular cases (very challenging geology combined with significant space constraints on the surface), given its relatively high investment cost.

Our experts will be able to advise you on this topic. Based on extensive and international experience we will help you choose the most suited geometry for your specific project.

At Amberg, we have architectural design capabilities for Underground as well as Elevated Stations. The architectural designs are performed in line with the local codal requirements. BIM is deployed as a default tool to coordinate space requirements and finishes.

Image: Project MEGA UG02- Ahmedabad metro, India

BIM is the trend in Europe and Asia where all recent metro projects (for example Metro of Stockholm, Metro Line 3 of Brussels, Metro Line 17 and 15 of the Grand Paris Express) are being designed with the support of BIM, with the following advantages:

• Eliminate costly and timely traditional construction mock-ups
• Different design options and alternatives can be easily and quickly remodelled to accommodate end-users and/or owner feedbacks
• Create a shorter and more efficient design and design review process
• Evaluate the effectiveness of design, in meeting building program criteria and owner’s needs
• Production of drawings using BIM eliminating all interface issues/clashes with architecture and MEP at the production stage. 
• Enhance the health, safety and welfare performance of their projects (for instance, BIM can be used to analyze and compare fire-rated egress enclosures, automatic sprinkler system designs, and alternate stair layouts
• Ensuring a full life cycle documentation of all components on the project
• Knowledge transfer without gaps or loss of information between phases of the project
• One source of truth for all project participants and stakeholders
• Ensures the best possible outset for maintenance regimes when in operation, by having all the relevant information in one location.

Our experts will be more than happy to support you in all your project phases. 

Project : DMRC DCO6 - Delhi, India

Project : DMRC DCO6 - Delhi, India

Project : Metro Barcelona - Deep stations

The group members work in many European and non-European countries and are very familiar with the fire safety specific standards in the other countries. It is therefore paramount to determine at the very beginning of a project the normative foundations and the safety principles that will be used throughout the project to allow an optimized design of the different works from the outset.

Our team is fully aware of the international state-of-the-art and relies on the most recent design techniques and digital tools.

We develop risk analysis, safety concepts and emergency planning for your metro projects. We design the ventilation system for metro tunnels and stations. 
 

Model for capacity assessment, station Eroii Revolutiei, Metro Bucharest

Principles of fire ventilation, Metro do Porto

Analysis of smoke propagation, BMN

To ensure that this complex interaction of different aspects is aligned and provides the best possible execution, the process and logic of all variables require diligent and competent attention from the outset.

Amberg Loglay develops optimal solutions when it comes to logistics and job site logistics in and around cities.
 

Amberg is very engaged when it comes to sustainability. The different pillars on which we are focusing are:

• Promoting the use of renewable geothermal energy in our projects
• Building with sustainable materials (the use of fiber reinforced concrete, or low emissions concrete to reduce the CO2 emissions)
• Recycling the muck, even within a circular economy scheme
• Etc.