Tunnelling under a XVth century farmhouse in Barcelona

Abstract

One of the most important aspects for the design and construction of urban tunnels is the impact on buildings. This article presents how a very shallow tunnel, corresponding to the high-speed railway line, was built under a XVth century farmhouse named “Torre del Fang” (Adobe State, in English). The most of the tunnel was built using a TBM. However, this first section, just after the TBM mounting shaft, was built using the cut and cover technique, as there was very little overburden. This paper will explain how a cut and cover section was executed under the farm, how its weight was transferred bridging loads to a temporary foundation, and which were the movements obtained.

Postprint (published version)