Logistics of deep tunnel construction sites without portal access – SBT2.1 Semmering Base Tunnel

Abstract The 27.3 km long Semmering Base Tunnel is a major component of the Baltic‐Adriatic Corridor trans‐European rail link. The SBT2.1 Fröschnitzgraben Tunnel section involves more construction work than any other contract section of the Semmering Base Tunnel project. First, two shafts over 400 m deep had to be sunk down to tunnel level in order to create the emergency station. From here, the tunnels are being driven towards Gloggnitz and Mürzzuschlag. The falling drives towards Gloggnitz, each approx. 8.5 km long, are being excavated with two tunnel boring machines (TBM), while conventional tunnelling methods (drill and blast) are being used to drive the 4.3 km long rising section towards Mürzzuschlag. Another major component of the contract is the creation and management of the Longsgraben landfill site. With a complex construction project of this nature, the local conditions, changing construction phases, different tunnelling methods, geological conditions, safety and contractual aspects, and the long duration of the construction, must all be given careful consideration when planning the logistics. The overall scope of logistics is broken down into individual areas; this enables several logistical concepts to be developed which do not necessarily have to correlate with one another. Through the involvement of the client, it has been possible to develop efficient and, for the most part, straightforward organisational measures and solutions for this construction project.