Construction of deep tunnel shafts in Mexico city soft clays by the flotation method

The drainage system of Mexico City, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, is formed by a large network of interceptors and collectors leading to the main outlet: a 49.3-km-long tunnel with a 6.5 m diameter. To build the access shafts to the tunnels of the system and the deep sumps of t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta geotechnica 2010-04, Vol.5 (1), p.63-68
Main Authors: Auvinet-Guichard, Gabriel, Rodríguez-Rebolledo, Juan F., Rangel-Núñez, José L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Clay
Complex Fluids and Microfluidics
Drainage
Drainage systems
Engineering
Excavation
Finite element analysis
Flotation
Foundations
Geoengineering
Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences
Geotechnology
Hydraulics
Metropolitan areas
Pumping stations
Pumps
Research Paper
Soft and Granular Matter
Soil Science & Conservation
Solid Mechanics
Tunnels
Underground construction
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Summary:The drainage system of Mexico City, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, is formed by a large network of interceptors and collectors leading to the main outlet: a 49.3-km-long tunnel with a 6.5 m diameter. To build the access shafts to the tunnels of the system and the deep sumps of the pumping stations in the very soft clays of the lacustrine area of Mexico valley, a technique known as “flotation method” has been commonly used since 1969. The paper presents the main construction steps followed and some aspects of the analysis and design of shafts constructed by this technique. The experience gained obtained after more than 30 shafts have been constructed by this method, and the actual trends in its application are also discussed.
ISSN:1861-1125
1861-1133
DOI:10.1007/s11440-010-0115-2