Ras R`Mel and Sidi Ali tunnels (Morocco)

TS13
UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES
Ras R’Mel and Sidi Ali tunnels (Morocco)
Owner
ONCF
Project manager
ONCF
Contractors
Chinese compagny (TEC)
Detailed design :
 SETEC TPI
 Maroc SETEC
 TERRASOL
Period
2006-2007
Main specifications
 Tunnels length: 2600 m (Ras
R’Mel) and 600 m (Sidi Ali)
 Spacing between sidewalls:
4.50m
 Excavated section: 50m²
The Ras R’Mel and Sidi Ali tunnels are single-track railway tunnels located
on the Tangiers-Ras R’Mel railway line.
The tunnels excavation area is 8 m x 6 m. The soil thickness above the
tunnel arch is 10 to 150 m.
The encountered soils are mainly sandstone-pelitic and clay-pelitic facies,
with embedded sandstone banks.
The tunnels design was carried out with the finite element calculation
software CESAR, using convergence confinement approach, for two
different excavation methods (full cross-section and half cross-section).
This allowed comparing loads and displacements for both methods.
Modelling and optimisation
The 2D finite element modelling allowed, as expected by the client and
owner, to optimise the tunnel support and lining:
 Optimisation of the
tunnel support:
calculation of the
maximum spacing
between steel arches.
 Optimisation of the
lining in nonreinforced concrete.
TERRASOL
achievements:
TERRASOL
Immeuble Central Seine
42-52 quai de la Râpée
75583 PARIS CEDEX 12
France
Tel: (33) 1 82 51 52 00
Fax: (33) 1 82 51 52 99
Email: [email protected]
The TEC contractor
entrusted the group
Setec TPI – Terrasol
– Maroc Setec with
the detailed design
of:
 Support
 Lining
 Portals
March 2007