Subway construction is Stuttgart under protection of a frozen soil roof

Experiences gained on the building of the City Railway turning loop, Stuttgart, Section 12, are described, where the new Austrian tunneling method is used in connection with the freezing technique. The Metro-tunnel lies in leached-out gypsum marl and unleached zones, respectively.

In a section of this tunnel within the leached-out gypsum marl the excavation was protected by a frozen soil roof in order to keep away any water seepage which could be dangerous for the excavation itself and for the buildings superimposed as well The drilling for the freeze pipes, the installation and operation of the freezing system and the tunnel driving including the erection of the final support are described. A point of special interest is the application of the shotcrete method as the shotcrete has to adhere to the frozen soil and has to harden sufficiently before the hardening process is interrupted by frost penetration.