The impact of soil relaxation on the environment, as exemplified by the construction of a deep tunnel in an urban area

The speaker will discuss the construction of the deepest section of the Warsaw Southern Bypass tunnel, built in a large-scale cut that includes a passage under the metro line. During the work, significant soil relaxation occurred, causing the tunnel floor to rise more than predicted. This significant discrepancy prompted the designer to conduct a detailed retrospective analysis, utilizing long-term observations from an extensive monitoring system. The presentation will discuss the significant impact of the drainage method and the presence of Pliocene clay layers, lying deep below the tunnel floor, on the uplift phenomenon.

Civil engineer, graduate of the Warsaw University of Technology. For 30 years, he has been involved in the design of geotechnical structures, including since 2012 at the MDR-Projekt design studio, of which he is the founder and co-owner. Previously, he worked in the design departments of construction companies. Since obtaining his construction license in 2001, he has participated in the preparation of over 1,000 geotechnical engineering projects throughout Poland, serving as a designer or reviewer. The projects include various types of excavation shoring, tunnels, foundations, ground and foundation reinforcement, and the stability of slopes and embankments.