The paper describes the design of Msheireb station, part of the Doha Metro, which required complex structural and geotechnical interactions with numerous interfaces, including 25-storey oversite development. Solutions to suit site constraints and fast-track construction were chosen to deliver significant sustainable benefits. Robust anchored diaphragm walls minimised the potential ground movements that could have an adverse impact on adjacent structures, reduced the overall volume of excavation and provided unobstructed excavation areas allowing multiple construction activities to be undertaken in parallel and in safety. Where spatial constraints allowed it, open cut excavations provided cost, time, energy and construction material savings balanced against the added excavation. The project was delivered by an extremely diverse team through a fully integrated design and construction process, aided by the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and rigorous document management. The complexity of design and construction coordination is reflected in the successful synchronization of an unprecedented 12 Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) breakthroughs for a single station. The experience gained from the design and the monitored and observed response of the earthworks and retaining structures allowed the optimisation of subsequent contract packages of work across the Doha Metro project.
Subjects: metro, diaphragm wall, anchor, depressurisation, crack width
Author: Christina Mavrommati, Principal Geotechnical Engineer, Cremona Makaginsar, Chartered Engineer and Carlos Posso, Senior Project Manager
Publisher: DFI, EFFC