Design and construction of Cross River Rail tunnels
March 19 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm AEDT
Overview
Urban metro rail tunnels often involve shallow alignments through variable ground conditions, in proximity to existing buildings and infrastructure. The construction of large underground spaces for railway platforms, services, and mechanical and electrical plant adds significant design complexity. The Cross River Rail project provides a compelling case study, demonstrating how engineering solutions can overcome these constraints in a densely developed city environment.
This event will present the technical approaches used to address the geological and geotechnical challenges encountered during the design and construction of the four station caverns and twin mined tunnels. Participants will gain insights into the design considerations for excavation, primary support, and permanent lining, as well as how the project team navigated risks associated with ground variability, urban settlement, and structural interface with existing infrastructure. The session will highlight practical lessons and solutions relevant to tunnelling and underground structure design.
Learning outcomes
In this presentation, you will learn:
- how Brisbane’s geology influenced the design and construction of Cross River Rail caverns and tunnels
- the key engineering challenges encountered and how they were addressed in cavern and tunnel design
- design considerations for excavation, primary support, and permanent lining in urban tunnelling projects
- how design outcomes mitigated risks and informed practical solutions for large-scale underground construction.
Program
In-person:
- 5.30 pm AEDT: Registrations open
- 6.00 pm AEDT: Presentation begins
- 7.00 pm AEDT: Q&A session
- 7.30 pm AEDT: Event ends
About the speaker
Adrian Smith is a Principal Geotechnical Engineer at PSM with more than 20 years’ experience in a variety of geotechnical practice areas including design and construction of rail and road tunnels, and underground and open cut mining.
He was PSM’s Design Director for the Cross River Rail project from tender stage through to construction, overseeing the geotechnical and hydrogeological interpretations, ground-structure interaction, and design of temporary and permanent support for all mined running tunnels and four underground station caverns.