Projects

Micheville Link Phase 4

2009 - 2011
Esch-sur-Alzette

Category

Civil Engineering

Sliding of a 20,000-tons tunnel in record time

As part of the construction of the Micheville link, which connects the Esch-sur-Alzette bypass motorway to the N31 in France, Félix Giorgetti carried out the jacking of an 20.000-tons tunnel. A spectacular operation carried out in 72 hours.

This phase in the construction of the link between the Esch-sur-Alzette bypass motorway and the N31 in France involves the construction and sliding of a twin-frame structure under the CFL Cargo railway tracks.

With an overall length of 66.80m, a width of 32.60m and a height of 11m, the 20,000-tons structure had to be shifted over 58.80m by our teams. Our teams only had 72 hours to carry out this delicate and spectacular operation! 

72h

Installation in record time

20,000t

Total weight

66.88m 

Length

32.60m

Width

11m

Height

Challenge

Sliding a 20.000t tunnel in 72 hours

The challenge was twofold: in addition to having to box jack a 20,000-tons structure, the allotted time was very short. Our teams only had 72 hours to carry out this delicate and spectacular operation, which took place over a long All Saints’ Day weekend in 2010. Our client had instructed us to minimise rail traffic interruption.

10 months of studies and preparatory work were necessary in order to successfully carry out this meticulously planned operation.

With the contribution of eight earth-moving machines (bulldozers and mechanical shovels), 14 trucks and dumpers and 15 workers on-site, it was possible to excavate 60,000m3 to make way for the tunnel.

19 jacks were used in the process: 12 500-ton jacks and 7 1,100-ton jacks.

At a rate of 4 to 6.2 metres per hour, the structure was finally in place within the planned 72 hours. Mission accomplished and especially a world first!

The complete contract lot also included the discharge outlets on the French side as well as the technical buildings for all the Central Gate lots in Esch-Belval.

Key Figures

Concrete

8,000m3 

Reinforcing bars

1,500t

Earthworks

104,000m3 

Excavation

60,000m3 

12 jacks of 500-tons and 7 jacks of 1,100-tons

19 jacks