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Klein-Winternheimer Tunnel

The Klein-Winternheim Tunnel was built during 1868 to 70 for two-track railway traffic. However, it has only been used for single-track operation over the years. The tunnel passes through Oligocene clays and silts of freshwater layers of the tertiary as well as the Miocene marl of the Cerithien layers located above them, with a maximum overburden of some 20 m. Regular inspections revealed largescale, deep-lying cavities and considerable deterioration of the sandstone masonry. The sandstone was in some places so friable that individual stones could be removed by band. The degree of damage has considerably worsened within a short time and the signs are that it will increase. As a result of the favourable profile conditions, a new, statically completely effective inner shell of slab concrete was installed throughout the entire tunnel on the existing masonry vault. The new concrete vault was provided with an all-round seal, to contain pressure water, which was installed as a single layer in the vault and multilayer in the base in the form of loosely laid plastic sealing membranes, partitioned in the base area. The placing of the inner shell in the base and in the vault took place section-by-section in standard block lengths of 10 m. As it was essential that rail services remained operational, construction was split up into three main phases. Each construction phase was preceded by a relocation of the running track. Construction phase 1: creation of the base at one side, left half of the base. Trainservices at the right side of the tunnel. Construction phase 2: completion of the base on the other side, right half of the base. Train services on the new, completed base section on the left side. Construction phase 3: creation of the vault with final support. Train services in the tunnel axis through the formwork car. Sealing: base, 2-layer, partioned (prefabricated connecting profile), vault, single-layer.

 

  • Country: Germany
  • Region: Rheinland-Pfalz
  • Tunnel utilization: Traffic
  • Type of utilization: Main-line rail
  • Client: Deutsche Bahn AG
  • Main construction method: Renovation
  • No. of tubes: 1
  • Tunnel total length: 379 m
  • Cross-section: 31 m² (new) 144 m² (old)
  • Contract Volume: approx. 13 mill. DM
  • Construction start/end: 1992-1994 (31 months)
  • Opening: October 1994