PROJECT APPLICATION
SMART ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN THE WIDEST TUNNEL IN SWITZERLAND The large-scale project deploys software-based process optimisation and advanced machine technology. Optimum coordination and maximum efficiency are required for paving a width of 11.5 m in the Gubrist tunnel. As a driver of digital job sites, contractor Marti AG Solothurn Bauunternehmung selected Vögele’s WITOS Paving Plus software-based process optimisation solution. This networks all those involved in the process, in real-time and delivers numerous benefits, especially on big construction projects. The construction of the Gubrist tunnel is one of the most complex infrastructure projects in Switzerland. Year 2022 will see the opening of the third bore of the Gubrist tunnel, 3.2 km long, as part of Zurich’s northern by-pass. With a diameter of 16 m, it is the largest tunnel bore in the country and is intended to relieve the chronic congestion of this section of road, by providing three extra carriageways towards St Gallen/Bern. The demands on the road construction process were correspondingly high. Despite the complex tunnel logistics, parallel working and heavy traffic, the work involved paving with about 20,000 t of asphalt, within a tight schedule, whilst meeting stringent quality standards. This was why contractor Marti AG Solothurn Bauunternehmung decided to approach the project using a digital road construction solution. As one of the largest contractors in Switzerland, the Marti Group has been active in driving digitalisation in all areas of construction, for years - from structural to civil engineering. It was obvious to the company that for a project 36
THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER September 2021
on this scale, a solution was required that would enable planning to be visualised digitally and also enable job site processes to be controlled actively.
Networked system solution from the paver manufacturer Accordingly, Vögele’s WITOS Paving Plus product was selected. This software-based process optimisation solu-
Vögele’s machine technology and WITOS Paving Plus process optimisation solution are utilised for paving in the widest tunnel in Switzerland.
The Vögele MT 3000-2i Offset PowerFeeder, the SUPER 2100-3i Road Paver and the SB 300 Fixed-Width Screed achieved an even result, over a width of 11.5 m.
