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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.

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. 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.

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. 

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. 

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 
 

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.

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. 

Moving a step forward, if the client desires, the reinforcement detailing is also modelled in BIM..

Amberg has been using BIM extensively in its projects in developing 3D BIM architecture, MEP  and structure models up to LOD 400/500 

Amberg has been providing 4D/5D BIM solutions for its existing metro projects to monitor project progress in line with the construction planning schedules provided by the contractor.
 

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.
 

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. 
 

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.

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. .
 

In this video we present some highlights that show what is possible.

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