ABSTRACT
The European transport system is currently undergoing a significant transformation, with the European High-Speed Railway Network (TEN) emerging as a pivotal player. This network, with its stringent requirements and maximum longitudinal gradient is driving the construction of several Base Tunnels. These tunnels, which are crucial components of the network, are designed to navigate the challenging terrain of the Alps, underscoring their importance. The Semmering Base Tunnel in Austria passes through various mountain ridges and below valleys with pressurized groundwater bodies with a huge storage capacity. Specific drilling- and grouting methods and materials for pre-excavation grouting have been established to tunnel through these sections successfully. Lessons learned from the grouting works at this project are presented. The works were carried out over five years, covering a total tunnel length of 2,500 meters and using more than 5,000,000 liters of grout.
