Closing the Gap for Bogota River Sanitation System Tunnels (Colombia)

摘要

Located within challenging terrain, the Interceptor Tunjuelo-Canoas (ITC) (4.2 m) and 0the Emergency (3.2 m) tunnels form 11 km of underground conduits of the Bogota River sanitation system. Vertically offset, the tunnels were to be connected via a pump station; logistical and contractual challenges resulted in a two-year construction delay. CDM Smith, subsequently retained by the owner, Empresa de Acueducto de Bogota (Owner), designed the interconnection as a vortex drop-shaft structure. This paper documents project and geotechnical synopsis; novel approach to vortex chamber construction through layered claystone and sandstone geology, without utilizing working shafts; and, modifications to the segmentally lined tunnels.