Large scale geotechnics on the Bosphorus Railway, Istanbul

This article describes the site investigation, geology and construction considerations, in tunnelling under the Bosphorus Strait, Turkey, for the new rail connection between Europe and Asia. The project will reduce travel times and road transport pollution and congestion. Geotechnical design issues include seismic activity and possible soil liquefaction, fractured rock and deep historic fill depths. Site investigation involved borehole drilling with standard penetration and cone penetration testing and sampling, geophysical surveys and environmental sampling. Probabilistic and deterministic hazard models were developed for seismic design, and ground stabilisation was conducted for the trench around the immersed tube tunnel, where soil liquefaction is likely in the event of an earthquake. Soil investigations at station sites identified the rock formations and soft fills. Station construction on the Asian side of the Bosphorus involves thick diaphragm walls supported by concrete struts. On the European side, work was delayed by archaeological excavation of the ancient harbour. The station here is constructed with secant pile walls and tie-back anchors.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00174653
• Authors:
  • KARAKITSIOS, V
  • SAKAEDA, H
  • MILES, R
• Publication Date: 2008-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 27-28,30
• Serial:
  • GROUND ENGINEERING
  • Publisher: EMAP CONSTRUCT LIMITED
  • ISSN: 0017-4653

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridges; Bus stops; Construction; Fixed routes; Fusion; Soil mechanics; Subways; Surveying; Underwater construction
• Uncontrolled Terms: Site investigation
• Geographic Terms: Asia; Europe
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Public Transportation; I41: General Soil Surveys; I42: Soil Mechanics; I54: Construction of Tunnels;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01121239
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Feb 5 2009 8:25AM