Competences

Tunnelling in an urban environment presents many unique challenges such as complex ground conditions, a potential low cover of ground, sensitive buildings, significant roadways, existing or abandoned foundations, and buried structures.. This is how [email protected] competencies handle some of these challenges.

Detailed geotechnical investigations, a good understanding of the ground behaviour during tunnelling, and a robust design are essential for successful tunnelling in urban areas. 

Our 3D Models 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. . 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. 
 


When designing a new metro line, one of the first central questions is linked to the tunnel geometry.

Indeed, there are different possible options: twin tubes, single tube, or large, two-deck excavations. All three options have specific advantages and disadvantages related to the technical risk level, the flexibility of operation, the overall fire safety concept, or the cost aspect.
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 .

Copyrigth: Société du Grand Paris

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.
 

The design of underground station structure mainly is done using “top-down” or “bottom-up” construction methods depending on geology, space availability on surface and depth of excavation. 

TOP-DOWN
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. 
 

Complex cases

In some cases where there is no space to access the station from the top for a part of the station, the station has to be planned using tunnel caverns underneath using NATM methodology wherein the cut and cover method is combined with the NATM technique to construct an underground station.

DESIGN METHODOLOGY

Before commencement of designs, a thorough study of all the critical by the experts. The construction methodology and sequencing of works is finalized in consultation with contractors. The design methodology is discussed and finalized at the start and then designs for structures are taken up.
Analysis and design of the temporary/ permanent retaining structures/ slope protection works are being done using state of the art tools 

ARCHITECTURAL WORKS

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.

BIM APPLICATION

Production of drawings is performed using current BIM technology wherein clash-free coordinated models are made and all interface issues/clashes with architecture and MEP are resolved in the production stage. All the Good For Construction drawings are directly extracted from the models thus eliminating any errors in the design documentation. 

BIM / Digitalisation

The multitude of project-internal stakeholders involved in the design, construction, and commissioning of a project, means that there will be different interests.

In traditional project delivery methods, fragmentation has been the case that often starves off collaboration to create communication gaps. When the client and the construction team share a common goal on the project, conflicts are reduced, and the focus is on the project. This enhances cooperation, better stakeholder management and improves chances of a successful delivery outcome. We design our project by 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
  • 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.

Fire Safety / ventilation

Safety is a key requirement which impacts metro design at all stages

Egress facilities and ventilation always play a central role and are handled by our team in a fully integrated manner. We are  very familiar with the fire safety specific standards in many countries. . It is 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. We develop risk analysis, safety concepts and emergency planning, together  wth the ventilation system for metro tunnels and stations.

Logistics

Amberg Loglay provides a suite of software tools to optimize logistics, apply just in time delivery and lean engineering technologies on all levels of stakeholders – from the truck drivers, gure operators, contractors etc to the construction site managers and the owner. .

The construction of underground structures in urban surroundings is challenged with limited space availability in nearly all aspects. 

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. Just in time delivery at the right moment to the right location allows big savings in time and money and increases the quality of the construction the more is pre-fabricationi technologies goes along with it.
 

Operation and maintenance

Once the metro is in operation, we also have the knowledge and the technical means through Amberg Technologies – despite shorter breaks in operation – to carry out inspections and maintenance work.

To conserve value, we offer periodic state assessments, strategic value-conservation planning with budgeting and programming, as well as overall planning and supervision of maintenance, refurbishments and conversions.

Our services

We provide services in all stages of project design from planning, feasibility studies and detailed design to design support during construction. During the construction phase, we work side by side with the clients to ensure the optimal execution of the project by providing construction supervision services.

  • Pre-feasibility and Alignment Studies
  • Feasibility Studies and Detailed Project Report (DPR)
  • Geological Mapping
  • Tender Stage Design, BOQ and Technical Specifications
  • Tender Evaluation
  • Pre-bid Engineering Services
  • Detailed Design of Civil works
  • Detailed Design of Electrical systems viz. Power Distribution, Lighting, Earthing, Cabling, Emergency Power
  • Safety verification and safety concepts
  • Detailed Design of Ventilation and Safety Systems 
  • Detailed Design of Fire Detection and Fire Fighting System
  • Detailed Design of SCADA, Life Safety and Surveillance Systems
  • Construction Supervision and PMC of Civil and MEP Systems
  • Lead Design Checker Services
  • Refurbishment Design Services
  • Geophysics (TSP)
     

Our references

Dheli Metro

  • Detailed Design BC 24, Dehli, India (siehe Referenzblatt)
  • UG2 Kolkata, India (siehe referenzblatt)
  • Detailed Design Consultancy (DDC) services for Mumbai Metro Line-3 (MML3), Package-07, Maharashtra, India
  • Detailed Design Consultancy (DDC) services for Metro-Link Express for Gandhinagar & Ahmedabad (MEGA) – Package UG02, Gujarat, India
  • Detailed Design Consultancy (DDC) services for DMRC Phase IV - Package DC06, New Delhi, India
  • Detailed Design Consultancy (DDC) services for DMRC Phase IV - Package DC07, New Delhi, India
  • Detailed Design Consultancy (DDC) services for DMRC Phase Ill – Package CC27 for Line 8 on Janakpuri West-Botanical Garden Corridor, New Delhi, India
  • Detailed Design Consultancy (DDC) services for DMRC Phase Ill – Package CC32 for Line 8 on Janakpuri West - Kalindi Kunj Corridor, New Delhi, India
  • Design Check & Tender Designs for the Singapore Downtown Line, Stage 1, Singapore, Singapore
  • Design Consultancy for the Singapore Downtown Line, Stage 3, Singapore, Singapore
  • Design & Construction for the Singapore Downtown Line, Stage 2, Singapore, Singapore
  • Design of North Portal Structures, Intervention Shaft and KL Sentral Underground Metro Station for the Klang Valley Mass Transit Project (KVMRT), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
     

 Sabadell Metro

  • Owners Engineer for Metro U5 in München, Final Design and Tender Design,…das läuft gerade, sollten wir nicht vergessen (Referenzblatt fehlt noch)
  • Owners Engineer for Final Design and Tender Designs, client support for awarding and Implementation planning for the U5 Berlin Metro, Berlin, Germany
  • Owner's consultant from Preliminary design phase to construction phase for the Stockholm Metro, Tunnelbana, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Feasibility study, preliminary design, final design, preparation and, participation in awarding contracts and supervision of work for the Brussel Metro-North, Brussel, Belgium
  • Overall fire protection study for the Brussel Metro-North, Brussel, Belgium
  • Pre-Feasibility (PFS) and Feasibility Study (FS) for the extension of the Metro Line 4, Lac Straulesti – Gara Progresu, Bucharest, Romania
  • Preliminary Design and Detailed Design for the D-Line Extension of Porto Metro to Vila d'Este, Porto, Portugal
  • Preliminary design, Detailed design, Bidding procedure, Contractor selection and Work supervision for the line 17 North of the Metro Grand Paris Express, Paris, France
  • Tunnel designer for a Design and build offer for the line 15 West of the Metro Grand Paris Express, Paris, France
  • Tunnel designer for a Design and build offer for the line 15 East of the Metro Grand Paris Express, Paris, France
  • Overall project planning, Site supervision, Technical consultations and Conduction of geotechnical investigations for the sky metro of the Zurich Airport, Zurich Switzerland
  • Optimization of the final design, Construction supervision and Geotechnical and settlement monitoring for the Sabadell Metro, Extension Metro Line 2, Barcelona, Spain
  • Owner's geologist and tunnel methods consultant for the Tunnel de Viret, Metro M2, Lausanne, Switzerland
  • Planning studies of tunnels and station for the Swissmetro Basel-Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
     

Montreal Airport

America

  • Consulting services during project design, Definition of the monitoring concept for the crossing below the airport, REM, Montreal, Canada 
  • Consulting services during TBM excavation, Engineering services and Geotechnical evaluation for the Sao Paulo Metro Line 5 “Lila”, Lot 3, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Middle East

  • Design and reviews of project and Design of adequate contingency measures for problematic ground conditions for the Ahwaz Metro Project, Ahwaz, Iran
  • Expert in Tender Evaluation Metro Katar, Dieter Wenner knows more (da gibt es kein Referenzblatt)
     

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