Lowering the Beneluxtunnel

Abstract

As a result of the persistent increase of container vessel dimensions, future problems regarding navigation draught in the presence of tunnels are becoming more likely to occur. Hence, possible solutions to this problem have been investigated for the Beneluxtunnel. Several design options have been elaborated to determine the technical and economic feasibility of a possible lowering of the tunnel. Important subjects involved are the consequences of increasing the slopes, the cross-sectional concrete capacity, the use of joint rotations, the construction methods and the costs. This initial exploration of the subject shows lowering the Beneluxtunnel seems to be possible and is expected to be economically attractive. However, further research into certain boundary conditions and risky aspects of construction is required to ascertain this statement.