Water tunnel inspection
With many of the world's transportation tunnels dating back to the
early 20th century and beyond, refurbishment and repair is often a
cost-effective alternative to expensive replacement. Our wide
ranging experience in tunnel inspection, maintenance, repair and
rehabilitation – coupled with the range of disciplines available
within Mott MacDonald – means we are well placed to provide a
comprehensive service.
We’ve been integrally involved with specifying, designing and
implementing new works on some of the UK’s busiest road tunnels.
This involves reviewing and improving fire and life safety
facilities, including the provision of emergency evacuation
passages.
Replacement of the linings and ventilation fans on
the UK's Blackwall tunnel Condition surveys and inspections
are required on many old tunnels to ensure their continued safe
operation. We’ve been entrusted with numerous commissions to
recommend, design and supervise appropriate repair and improvement
works. Many such schemes have included structural alterations to
allow for changed usage and improved efficiency in existing
facilities, plus strengthening works where modern development
imposes new loading regimes. And we have been awarded ongoing
inspection and maintenance contracts for some of the UK's largest
road tunnels.
Our key areas of expertise in tunnel maintenance include:
Investigation
We’re familiar with a wide range of investigation techniques
and are able to plan and supervise investigations to confirm the
conditions of tunnels and establish the causes of extent of
deterioration and damage.
Refurbishment at Bank Station, London,
UK Durability assessments
Once investigations are complete, we analyse and interpret
information collected. We’re able to assess the future life
expectancy of particular building materials and structural
elements, allowing future life span and predicted modes of failure
to be assessed. In addition, by offering an independent advisory,
selection and testing service for the specification of materials
with appropriate properties, we’re able to advise on the mechanical
and chemical aspects of particular materials, their durability and
corrosion resistance, fabrication details and economic
benefits.
Structural assessments
Where initial inspection and investigations identify structural
concerns, we’re able to carry out a structural assessment. We’re
experience in working with a number of different types of
structural forms and vintages – including using finite element
modelling of assemblages and individual components.
Monitoring
Monitoring plays an important role in the management of
deteriorating structures and we have decades of experience in both
manual and electronic instrumentation. Where inspection and
assessment identify potential problems – we’re able to monitor
structural elements and forms of deterioration.
Over 100 00 vehicles a day had to be kept moving
while the west tunnel road deck on the 1.4km Dartford Tunnel was
replaced – achieved to budget and programme without causing a
single traffic jam Rehabilitation
Where rehabilitation is called for, we tailor the design and
specification of remedial measures to our customers’ needs. Mott
MacDonald has extensive experience and expertise in the repair of
civil engineering infrastructure. As a result, we offer advice on
practical aspects of repair and specification, repair techniques
and materials. Our leading edge materials expertise is supported by
practical experience of many types of material, which for concrete
and masonry repair, includes trowel applied mortars, sprayed and
flowable concretes, coatings, brickwork replacement and
membranes.
Repair work design and specification for reinforced concrete,
brickwork and for earthworks and embankments is supported by our
in-house corrosion specialists and geotechnical engineers. Our
comprehensive expertise means we’re able to develop cost-effective
solutions to limit further deterioration and achieve our customers’
long-term goals.
Notable maintenance and refurbishment projects include:
- Dartford highway tunnels, UK – inspection, repair and major
refurbishments
- Mersey Queensway and Kingsway highway tunnels, UK – inspection
and repair
- Mersey Tunnel – provision of new cross passages
- Beira Alta railway tunnels, Portugal – modernisation
- PATH railway tunnels in New York City, USA – inspection and
repair
