Tunnels are long-term infrastructure investments, often remaining in service well beyond their original design life. Over time, harsh conditions (especially water infiltration) can accelerate the deterioration of structural and functional systems. We provide targeted tunnel repair solutions to restore performance and extend service life.

  • Applications
    Tunnels
    Culverts
    Vaults
    Underpasses
    Arch Bridges
    Galleries
    Other Underground Structures

Addressing the Unique Challenges of Tunnel Repair

Tunnel maintenance requires a careful balance between preventive and corrective strategies. Best practices suggest that 70-80% of maintenance should be preventive to ensure long-term performance and safety. Refurbishment becomes necessary when tunnels near the end of their service life or when structural updates are required due to evolving traffic demands, new regulations, fire damage, or shifting ground conditions.

Tunnel environments present unique challenges that demand specialized planning and execution.

Tunnel work involves limited lighting, restricted access, and potential exposure to hazardous air and fire risks. Strict safety protocols and risk management plans are essential to protect workers.

Full tunnel closures offer the safest conditions for major upgrades. However, when tunnels must remain partially open, detailed traffic management plans are required to ensure safety for both users and crews.

Excavation and vehicle movement generate airborne particles like silica dust and diesel fumes. Crews must use protective gear, which can reduce mobility and increase fatigue, adding complexity to the job.

Tunnels offer limited space for equipment and materials. Just-in-time delivery and precise coordination are critical to avoid delays and maintain safety on site.

Full refurbishment and upgrading services

From Planning to Execution: Tunnel Repair Expertise  

Solutions and Technologies

Freyssinet provides tunnel repair services for large-scale programs involving masonry and concrete railway and roadway tunnels. Our expertise covers complex conditions such as emergency interventions, limited access, and work under active traffic. Each tunnel repair project is supported by strong engineering input and tailored solutions.

Nerthe Tunnel France

  • Manual or robotic hydro-demolition
  • Large-scale cleaning with chipping hammers or high-pressure water

  • Condition assessments using photogrammetry
  • Mortar patching and masonry repointing
  • Rebonding of delaminated areas
  • Shotcrete relining and reprofiling
  • Crack sealing and resin injections
  • Cementitious and anti-carbonation coatings
  • Chemical grout applications

  • Treatment of corroded reinforcement
  • Protective coatings
  • Cathodic protection with galvanic or impressed current systems

 

  • Catchment troughs and drainage pipes
  • Waterproofing membranes and composite liners
  • Drainage system upgrades

  • Construction of cross passages and safety niches
  • Fire protection systems

  • Anchors, soil nails, and rock bolts
  • Micro-piles and metal stiffeners
  • Mortar spraying and early-strength dry shotcrete
  • Wet-sprayed Ultra High Performance Concrete

 

Glasgow metro, United Kingdom
Glasgow Metro, United Kingdom

Project Reference: Tunnel Repair Without Traffic Disruption

Solutions provided:

  • Void injection with cementitious grout (3,900 cubic yards)
  • Water ingress treatment using resin injection (over 20,000 injection points)
  • Concrete defect repair with wet-sprayed mortar (18,300 square feet)
  • Cleaning of tunnel linings, trackbeds, and drainage systems

Tunnel Enlargement for Electrification

Freyssinet carried out tunnel repair and enlargement for a masonry railway tunnel to support electrification, under a full design-build contract.

Scope of work:

  • Hydro-demolition
  • Dry shotcrete confinement
  • Ground anchoring and void injection
  • Construction of structural stiffeners with shotcrete
  • Installation of reinforced shotcrete liner
Roche de Condrieu tunnel, France
Roche de Condrieu Tunnel, France
Amsterdam metro tunnel, The Netherlands
Amsterdam Metro Tunnel, The Netherlands

Fire Protection for Railway Tunnel Stations

We provide fire protection solutions designed to safeguard both steel and concrete structural elements in underground transit environments.

Our solutions include:

  • Fire-resistant protective plates
  • Sprayed fireproofing mortars
  • Passive protection for structural members

Contact Freyssinet Today!

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