Automation at the Westerscheldt Tunnel

Terneuzen- On the 14th of March 2003, the Westerschelde Tunnel was opened after a construction phase of five and a half years. The tunnel was constructed using modern technologies which were partially supported by software and other automated equipment. It?s uncommon to use highly automated technologies in construction projects because the unique character of projects reduces the economic feasibility of implementing automated techniques. In this article the following automated techniques will be described: measurement systems to measure the deviations of the used segments and the positioning of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), and monitoring techniques with regard to the temporary frozen soil, which will be described in this paper. The saturation diving technique will also be described. The first part of this paper deals with the scope of the project and specific experiences gathered during the construction phase. The second part will deal with the automation techniques used will be described and finally a presentation of the conclusions will be made.