Drawing on the multi-disciplinary skills within our Infrastructure group, Buro Happold is a leader in the design, construction, maintenance and refurbishment of civil engineering structures to support transport networks, including tunnels, viaducts and underpasses. Our long experience of meeting the needs of local authorities, agencies and private developers ensure our designs comply with the latest planning regulations for transport infrastructure schemes.
Road and rail tunnels provide many environmental benefits in terms of low visibility, less interference with above-ground activities and reduced impact on landscapes and local wildlife. Tunnels are also used for water and sewage distribution or to provide safe pedestrian crossings in busy urban areas. Service tunnels are designed to house cabling or pipework, linking to other tunnels or buildings for operational and maintenance purposes.
Tunnelling requires a sound knowledge of ground and soil conditions and sensitivity to the urban, rural or waterfront environments in which the tunnel is built. We ensure our tunnels combine economy with safety, are fit for purpose and have minimal impact on the surrounding area. Computational studies allow us to analyse the ground movement stresses on a new tunnel and the possible effects of tunnel boring on buildings and adjacent structures due to factors such as subsidence.
The effects of wind and air flow play an important role in the design of larger tunnels, where good ventilation is essential for user comfort and for controlling the dispersal of exhaust gases and smoke in the event of a fire. Our specialists can also advise on associated technical systems such as lighting, telecoms and CCTV. In addition to new works, we also have wide experience of carrying out structural examinations and safety inspections of existing tunnels.
Viaducts are designed to carry roads or railway lines across physical barriers such as a valley or other parts of the built infrastructure. As part of urban regeneration schemes, the commercially let arches of city-centre viaducts can also act as catalysts for economic development by providing trade and employment opportunities – there are thousands of railway arches in London alone. With our long track record in rail bridge design, Buro Happold is fully qualified to work in a safety critical railway environment.
