Underground Space

Feasibility, preliminary design, cost estimate

Diverse applications from industrial plants, research facilities, hydroelectric power stations, recreational facilities, protective structures, storage facilities, waste disposal facilities and quarries have a joint characteristic. They need large areas, which are becoming ever scarcer. The consequences are significant land acquisition costs. If situated near residential areas, resistance to the planned facilities is likely, leading to new legal requirements and delays.

Conditions placed on the environmental compatibility of facilities lead to expensive measures. Some of the facilities need a high level of protection, while others require uniform environmental conditions. Building a facility in an underground cavern can be the optimal solution – underground facilities need less or no land, have less impact on the surrounding countryside, prevent certain obligations, offer uniform climatic conditions and very high levels of protection.

Services

Feasibility studies, stability analysis and ventilation concept

Phase 1 – Planning

Feasibility studies
Underground Space Planning Approach
Visioning
Existing Data interpretation
Preliminary and schematic design
BIM, 2D and 3D models and drawings
Invitation to tender documents
Geotechnical and structural analysis
Safety concepts and evacuation planning
Approval procedures

Design checking and rock stability

Phase 2 - Realisation

Sustainability Approach
Detailed design
Geotechnical Expertise
Construction technologies
Logistics planning
Site supervision
Quality management
Stakeholder management
As built documentation

Geotechnical dimensioning and positioning

Phase 3 – Operation

Benchmarking with other facilities
Energy efficiency
Facility inspection
State assessment
Asset management
Conservation of value planning
Renewal and refurbishment
Expansion planning

Quantitative risk analysis and Design Review

Services in all phases

Strategic Planning
Vision and concept development
Concept analysis
Project Review
Project management as client representative
Risk management
Planning and Consulting
Safety evaluations and adaptations

Challenges in developing the underground space

Finding the right site location
Site layout for max. utilization of rock mass value
Minimum but reliable safe distance between caverns
Layout with the least geomechanical interaction between caverns
Stakeholder management
Identifying most suitable construction technology
Formulating logistics concept for access and muck transport
Ventilation and cooling systems
Fire and safety measures
Smooth integration into existing urban areas
Sustainable measures

Competence

Over 50 years of experience worldwide
Innovative and feasible underground solutions
Expertise in solving complex non-standard problems
Advanced modelling and simulation tools
Interdisciplinary collaboration of underground engineering experts from all fields

Benefits

A competent partner for the professional evaluation of your needs
An assessment of the environmental impacts and deriving of optimal design alternatives
A cost-efficient design and time savings
Direct access to skilled and internationally trained engineers with solid practical know how

Selected references

Project

Sha Tin Cavern Development Study, Hongkong

Services

Quantitative Risk Analysis, Comparison with relevant risk guidelines and the international state-of-the-art through similar projects worldwide

Client

Civil Engineering and Development Department Hongkong

Project

Schollberg Quarry, Switzerland

Services

Feasibility studies, Stability analysis, Ventilation concept, Supervision of quarrying works, Approval procedures

Client

Baustoffe Schollberg AG

Project

Mountainfab Sargans, Switzerland

Services

Feasibility study, Design, Construction supervision

Client

Espros Photonics Corporation (EPC)

Project

Jurong Rock Cavern, Singapore

Services

Design review of the underground caverns as well as the access and service tunnels

Client

Jurong Town Corporation (JTC)

Project

Underground Science City, Singapore

Services

Detailed concept design, Cost estimate, Ventilation and Safety Concept

Client

Jurong Town Corporation (JTC)

Project

CERN. New particle accellerator, Switzerland

Services

Project management for feasibility studies and cost estimate, Initial design and risk analysis

Client

European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN)