Westlink Projects â€“ Geotechnical Challenges During the Execution Phase-Paper

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The West Link is an 8 km double-track railway under construction in Gothenburg, Sweden, including 6 km of tunnels and three new stations. Keller has supported specialist foundation works across four project sections since 2018. Construction is complicated by up to 35 m of highly sensitive, locally quick clay; variable moraine deposits; fractured granite; and a confined aquifer where even modest groundwater drawdown can damage nearby buildings and vegetation.<br /><br />The project uses several techniques tailored to local conditions: dry deep soil mixing (DDSM) to stabilize clay and support excavations; rock grouting to limit groundwater inflow; and jet grouting for sealing, structural support, and soil improvement. Uplift piles, sheet piling, and rock dowels are also used. Execution challenges include controlling deformation near existing structures and waterways, managing unstable ground at the soil–rock interface, achieving specified column strength and geometry, and treating large volumes of jet-grouting spoil.<br /><br />Experience to date highlights the value of continuous quality control, field testing, accurate measurement, and close coordination between designers, contractors, and clients. DDSM binder quantities can often be optimized to reduce cost and environmental impact, provided quality is verified. Rock-grouting procedures and testing can be streamlined, while jet-grouting design parameters should reflect each application’s purpose and actual ground conditions. Overall, the project demonstrates that adapting specialist geotechnical methods to site-specific conditions—and adjusting them as construction findings emerge—is essential for safe, sustainable, and cost-effective delivery.

Keywords

West Link

Gothenburg

Sweden

railway construction

deep soil mixing

rock grouting

jet grouting

quick clay

geotechnical engineering

groundwater control