ABSTRACT

The completion of the Westerschelde Tunnel in the Netherlands was a triumph over the technical challenges of building a 6.6km long tunnel under complex and sometimes extreme, geological circumstances. This volume tells the story of the design and building of the tunnel and includes contributions from leading experts who were directly and practically involved in the project as designers, builders and financiers. It contains many practical lessons concerning the organization of large-scale construction projects in general, and tunnel building in particular.

A pioneering mega project: General project description; The Westerschelde Tunner: History and background; The design of the Westerschelde Tunnel in a nutshell; Safety; The protection of the Westerschelde Tunnel against fire; A life span of at least 100 years; Geotechnical circumstances; Access ramps: Design and implementation; The tunnel lining; Tunnel boring machines; The boring process; Separation plant and cuttings; Cross connections; Civil fitting out and logistical process; Tunnel installations; Aesthetic aspects; The contract and project management; Maintenance aspects.