Shotcrete Constructed Cut and Cover Tunnel Portal

Synopsis:

The reconstruction of the Weehawken Tunnel for the New Jersey Transit Hudson-Bergen Light Rail System is about to be completed. The more than $145M contract encompasses the enlargement of running tunnels, the construction of an access shaft for the new underground station and newportals. Aseries of innovative construction techniques have been applied to meet the challenging project requirements and aggressive schedule. The contract design called for a permanent portal structure with a trumpet-shaped roof geometry, while the sidewalls funnel out towards the tunnel entrance. The structure started in the mined section and lead to the portal. The curved sidewalls for the portal structure were converted to vertical concrete walls complying with the contract’s geometric requirements. For the roof portion, reinforced, high-quality shotcrete was used to form the complex contour. The membrane tunnel waterproofing was extended to the portal face wall. Construction of the new portal was timely completed while meeting the quality requirements stipulated in the Contract Documents.

Shotcrete Constructed Cut and Cover Tunnel Portal
2006 North American Tunneling Conference Proceedings
June 10-15, 2006
Chicago, Illinois