HARD CHALK SLOWS CHANNEL BORE

The funding and engineering progress of the Eurotunnel (name given the 55-year concession to build and operate the 31-mile underground link between the England and France) is described. Eurotunnel expects half its revenues to come from state railroads using the tunnel to link London with high-speed train networks now under development in Europe. Other revenues will flow from shuttling highway vehicles through the tunnels on trains traveling at 100 mph. The loan agreements with international banks, and the contract with Transmanche Link (TML) are discussed. The contractors' struggles to overcome delays, and the project's management are described. The Eurotunnel comprises two rail tunnels and a service tunnel between terminals at Cheriton, England, and Coquelles, Frances. For most of the project, the line of the three tunnels follows a seam of chalk marl that is expected to be ideal tunneling material. However, the seam undulates and dives downward close to the French coast. The details are briefly described of the five TBMs (tunnel boring machines), 3 seaward and 2 landward, with one machine boring both rail tunnels on the French side. Innovations used in the project are noted, including a new sealing method. The advantages of the Japanese machnines being used are also noted. Work on the British side with 6 TBMs is described.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/08919526
• Corporate Authors:

  McGraw-Hill, Incorporated

  330 West 42nd Street
  New York, NY  United States  10036
• Publication Date: 1988-11-3

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 32-40
• Serial:
  • Engineering News-Record
  • Volume: 221
  • Issue Number: 18
  • Publisher: McGraw-Hill, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0891-9526

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Boring; Chalks; Excavation and tunneling; Finance; Financing; High speed rail; Revenues; Tunneling machines
• Identifier Terms: Channel Tunnel
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Finance; Highways; I25: Design of Tunnels;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00477252
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 30 1988 12:00AM