01/07/2024
Toulouse metro: where do we stand with the progress of the various packages?
CLB package, Line B extension
Remember, the Clémence Isaure TBM began work 3 months ago, and the first section was completed on Wednesday May 15. As a reminder, two 260-meter-long tunnels with an internal diameter of 4.66 m will enable the Toulouse metro to cross the Canal du Midi.
These underground structures make up lot 2 of the “Line B Connection”, linking the current terminus of line B with the future line C.
The TBM will now be transported to the Ramonville structure to complete the second section. It will start its new run, parallel to that of the first tunnel, at the end of June, and should finish digging in September.
Terrasse shaft (line C, package 4)
This shaft is designed to serve as an access point for the emergency services, both during the construction and service phases.
The Terrasse shaft is designed as a circular shaft with a small diameter (8.8 m) and a great depth (50.5 m). It will connect with the tunnel via a 6 m long branch at a depth of around 38 m.
On this structure, initially planned in 1200 mm thickness and with a CWS joint, the group proposed to reduce the thickness of the diaphragm walls to 1000 mm, while maintaining tolerances of less than 0.3% even at great depths. A sound approach that minimizes concrete quantities and avoids reinforcing 50% of the structure!
The construction teams chose to build the primary panels using a Hydrofraise® equipped in 3600 mm and to build the secondary panels using more conventional equipment (2800 mm). This project provided an opportunity to test the use of a new polymer adapted to the Hydrofraise®.
The shaft has been completed to perfection, and the teams will start work on the third ancillary structure, the Balansa shaft, in September 2024.
Saint-Sauveur shaft (line C, package 4)
The Saint-Sauveur shaft site is the last structure in Lot 4. With a diameter of 19.8 m, it is the largest of all the shafts built by Soletanche Bachy France on this project. The shaft will serve as a reception structure for two TBM blasts. It will therefore be possible to dismantle a complete TBM from the outside.
The structure is located in a dense urban environment, in the immediate proximity of the Canal du Midi. Half of the shaft is located on a listed site, requiring the excavation to be perfectly watertight. The shaft is constructed exclusively using a KS hydraulic Grab with 1200 mm thick Diaphragm walls at a depth of 38 m.
Jean Rieux station (line C, package 4)
The main constraint of this station, which will be the last to be crossed by the TBM in lot 4, is the need to keep traffic moving on one of the main arteries leading to downtown Toulouse.
In this constrained urban environment, teams from Soletanche Bachy France built 1500 mm Diaphragm walls at a depth of 47.50 m, in 2 shifts using a compact Hydrofraise® and a KS hydraulic Grab.
A total of 7,950 m² of Diaphragm walls and 11,300 m³ of EXEGY® very low carbon concrete were used on this project.
Congratulations to the teams from Bessac, Soletanche Bachy Fondations Spéciales, Soletanche Bachy Tunnels and Soletanche Bachy France for these projects using EXEGY® very low carbon concrete, and look forward to following the progress of the work!
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