Curved sinkhole in El Arenao

Eurohinca has carried out a curve jacking project in the area of The Arenaocombining advanced technologies to cross critical infrastructures such as roads and the Barbadún River. Thanks to the tunnel boring machine DN1200 HydroshieldThe work was executed with precision, guaranteeing the stability of the terrain and minimizing environmental impact.

Location and context of the project

The work was carried out in a natural and urban environment, with a route that had to cross under a road and the riverbed of a river. Barbadún river. The complexity of the project lay in the need to execute a curved pile-driving system with a 10% slopeThe project is designed to ensure the alignment and stability of the subway infrastructure in a terrain composed of massive sandstones.

Characteristics of the work

Construction method: Hydroshield DN1200 remote-controlled cornering thruster
Total length of the tunnel: 274 meters
Pending: 10%
Geology of the terrain: Massive sandstones
Environment: Crossing under road and river in a highly environmentally sensitive zone

Technical challenges

The main challenge of the project was the implementation of the Pile driving in curve with an inclination of 10%This required absolute control of the trajectory to avoid deviations. In addition, the crossing under the Barbadún river required to guarantee the impermeability of the tunnel and the stability of the surrounding soil, minimizing the risk of seepage or collapse.

Another challenge was the coordination with environmental and infrastructure authoritiesThe project was designed to ensure that the work complied with all regulations for the protection of the fluvial ecosystem and vehicular traffic on the intervened road.

Solutions implemented

To meet the challenges of the project, Eurohinca implemented the following strategies:
✔️ Use of Hydroshield DN1200 tunnel boring machinedesigned for drilling in rock and soils with high resistance.
✔️ VMT guidance systemThe new system allows a millimetric control of the trajectory when cornering.
✔️ Continuous geotechnical monitoringThe soil stability is guaranteed and differential settlements are prevented.
✔️ Planning in coordination with environmental authoritiesThe project is designed to ensure the protection of the river ecosystem and the safety of nearby infrastructures.

Results and benefits

The project was successfully completed, allowing the installation of the tunnel without affecting the stability of the terrain or the operation of the road and the river. Thanks to the use of advanced technologies, the work was able to a safe and efficient subway crossingavoiding negative impacts on the surface and the environment.

This project demonstrates that the remote-controlled curve driving is an optimal solution for the modernization of infrastructures in complex natural environmentsThe company's subway operations are safe and sustainable.

References of executed works

In Eurohinca we are specialists in the execution of tunnels for pipelines with tunnel boring machines. Since its foundation in 1996 Eurohinca has executed different types of works:

International Experience