That was it – our conference on the Koralm Tunnel, with a focus on engineering. We had a fascinating day of presentations and, on Friday, an interesting field trip to the Semmering Base Tunnel. We would like to thank all our speakers for their contributions, our Rector Horst Bischof for opening the event, and, in particular, our sponsors – above all ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG – for their support!
The Koralm-link is undoubtedly a once-in-a-century project that represents a significant improvement to the rail system, both regionally, with the newly created connection between Carinthia and Styria and the reduced travel time to Vienna, and internationally, as part of the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor. The long tunnel, as the central element, was not only a challenge, but also the impetus for many innovative technical solutions. The combination of tunnel length and high operating speed requires a high degree of technical robustness.
Our conference focused on new approaches to a wide range of technical aspects that were developed during the planning, construction and commissioning of the Koralm tunnel. The topics covered included technical systems such as track design, from drainage to slab track. Furthermore, concrete technology, construction and logistics topics will be addressed, as well as the important topics of noise, dust generation, fire protection and aerodynamics. It is a broad field in which new methods and systems have been developed and implemented, demonstrating that large-scale projects are also a driver of technical innovation. The conference was rounded off with an excursion to the Semmering Base tunnel, where much of the experience gained at the Koralm tunnel is meanwhile used as state of the art.
The conference proceedings are available online for anyone who was unable to attend, and for those who were there but do not have their printed copy to hand.
