Sargans, Switzerland

Underground Chip Factory

 
 
2007
START OF THE PROJECT
2009
OPENING
50.000
EXCAVATION MATERIAL
13Mio. CHF
OVERALL COSTS

The quality of high-performance computer chips, in this case semiconductors, is highly dependent on controlled production processes in a stable environment.

For the customer, it was crucial to have an environment for production that is free from external influences. No vibrations and a stable climate is provided by an underground production facility. The infrastructure, which is unique in the world, consists of a main cavern 18 meters high, 18 meters wide and 100 meters long, as well as a smaller secondary cavern.

Amberg was involved in the project with the idea, the planning, the design and the execution. The tricky geology and the partly low coverages made high demands on the engineers. In addition, a chapel near the caverns and the processes of ongoing operations, factory supply, operational ventilation or escape routes required a high degree of detailed planning.

Today, perfect mechanical insulation from the outside world guarantees a vibration-free cocoon for the highest quality standards in chip production. A constant climate and complete radiation shielding enable the customer to control the operation of the equipment inside efficiently and economically.

For more detailed information about this project:

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Underground space

Picture Gallery

The 18-meter high main cavern
The factory during excavation
The construction site of the underground chip factory
The entrance to the factory. In the background the chapel, which had to be protected from strong vibrations.
Amberg Group
100%
family-owned
7
companies
600+
employees

For around 60 years, the renowned Swiss Amberg Group has been a leader in engineering and surveying services for railway, metro, underground and specialised civil engineering. 

The family-owned company is an innovative knowledge, engineering and technology provider in the field of logistics and infrastructure for smart cities, hubs and networks. We provide outstanding solutions for our customers through innovatively combining above-ground and underground space utilisation.

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Amberg Engineering

Your underground experts 

  • Rail tunnels, including high-speed rail
  • Metro lines
  • Tunnel and shaft infrastructure
  • Caverns with large cross-sections
  • Energy storage and utilities 

Engineering at its best 

  • Numerous services for your entire project cycle, from feasibility, planning and construction to renewal of your infrastructure
  • Trained specialists and experts in planning and design, geotechnics, and project management
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Amberg Technologies

Infrastructure experts 

  • Rail, metro and tunnels
  • Underground spaces
  • Mining and shafts 

Systems and solutions 

  • Slab track, tamping, mapping, surveying and inspections
  • Tunnel machine guidance
  • Tunnel profile measurements and stakeout
  • Undulation
  • Layer thickness control
  • Surface inspection
  • Geological predicting during tunnel excavation
  • Surveying, data analysis and maintenance
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Amberg Infra 7D

Digital infrastructure experts 

  • Data acquisition and processing
  • Monitoring
  • Measurement of geotechnical tasks
  • Maintenance and operation
  • Process optimisation and digital continuity 

Solutions and services 

  • Geo-monitoring
  • Mobile mapping
  • Geomatics
  • Inspection services
  • Digital construction
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Amberg Loglay

Smart cities and construction logistics experts

  • Manage stakeholders across the value chain
  • Improve construction mobility in dense cities
  • Unlock up to 50% of the true potential of assets
  • Integrate circular economy principles into construction
  • Use smart data throughout the supply chain 

Solutions for construction sites 

  • End-to-end digital logistics processes
  • Rapid prototyping and smart sensors (IoT)
  • Logistics concept and manual (3D/4D)
  • Integration of logistics data
  • Logistics insights management (LIM)
  • Construction logistics management (CLM)
  • Management of external hubs and consolidation
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Amberg Infocon

Design and construction experts 

  • Design and BIM integration
  • Coordination between different disciplines
  • Information workflow setup
  • Facility management and BIM integration
  • Visualisation 

Services 

  • BIM implementation and creation of models
  • Clash detection, coordination and clash resolution
  • Construction documentation and shop drawings
  • 4D simulation and 5D estimation
  • Underground utilities
  • Laser scan to as-built models
  • IT solutions – BIM integration with FM application
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VersuchsStollen Hagerbach

VersuchsStollen Hagerbach - The underground future lab 

Recently named a research infrastructure of national importance, we have been providing the space and expertise to turn visions into innovations for over 50 years. 

Your analysis and testing requirements 

  • Real scale test and prototype environment
  • Analysis of construction material
  • Training facility
  • Unique location for your event 

Our facilities and services 

  • Various test sites, test procedures and management
  • Concrete and rock laboratory
  • Training environment and syllabus
  • Seminar rooms, event cavern and restaurant
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QAECY

AI agent as a service for the construction industry 

  • AI agent dedicated to the AEC industry
  • Easy access to complex project information
  • Helps in taking confident, informed decisions
  • Opens data silos, unlocks all content and uncovers context
  • Effortless interaction with your most valuable asset – your collective knowledge 

Solution and services 

  • AI agent as a service
  • Strategic consulting and training
  • Development of tailored solutions
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