Zinc tunnels

Tunnel construction often uses the immersion technique. The method was more or less born in the Netherlands. The Maas Tunnel (1942) is the oldest European immersed tunnel. Meanwhile, immersed tunnels are a Dutch export product.

Tunnel Construction Handbook (2015)

This handbook is a reference work for designers and builders of tunnels. It provides insight into all aspects involved in design and construction, as well as existing potential solutions. The book is limited to cut-and-cover and immersion tunnels. The handbook, created by CDE participants, can be read online for free.

Conservation of zinc joints (2014)

This report provides advice on steps to take during zinc tunnel maintenance and renovation to assess the likelihood of leaks in zinc and closure joints and manage the consequences.

Monolithically connected caissons (2014)

A three-hundred-metre-long zinc tunnel was installed in central Stockholm for an underground rail network. Three tunnel elements, each about one hundred metres long, were connected monolithically after sinking and rest locally on pile yokes.

Special foundation immersed tunnel North/South Line (2014)

Tunnel elements were immersed under Amsterdam Central Station and the river IJ for the purpose of the North/South Line. As one of the tunnel elements occupies the place of part of the station's foundation, an additional foundation of steel tubes was installed to take over much of the load on the old station foundation. The section for the tunnel element under the station was then excavated, flooded and connected to the IJ.

From attraction cylinder to zinc chamber (2013)

This article describes the construction of a zinc tunnel from start to finish. Among other things, it discusses the construction of the tunnel elements in the construction dock and the so-called OTAO process: Floating, Transporting, Sinking and Submerging.

Maas Tunnel 70 years (2013)

In 2012, the Maas Tunnel celebrated its 70th anniversary. Following this, an extensive article appeared on TunnelTalk. An in-depth interview with Seen van der Plas, former director of Gemeentewerken Rotterdam, talked about the Maastunnel's place in tunnelling history.