From drawing to 3D model

2010
TUNNELBAU, BASISTUNNEL, GOTTHARD, GOTTHARD-BASISTUNNEL, NEUE EISENBAHN-ALPENTRANSVERSALE, NEAT, ALPTRANSIT, TEILABSCHNITT SEDRUN, SIOP, PRUEFUNG, SICHERHEITSORIENTIERTE PRUEFUNG, SITZUNG, SITZUNGEN, BESPRECHUNG, PLAN, PLAENE,
Mapped out and mulled over

On the basis of plans, engineers discuss the construction of the Gotthard Tunnel in Sedrun in 2010. (9 September 2010, Keystone)

A huge volume of plans covering everything from overviews and routes, large-scale construction and small-scale details, to tunnel-boring machines, cables, operations and timetables, underpin the NRLA. The way in which plans are made has changed fundamentally as the project progresses, with classic technical drawing being replaced by computer-based 3D models. Standardised plans drawn precisely to scale describe geographical space at both the micro level – construction sections and key details – and the macro – from «contract sections» to entire catchment areas. They range from ground plans to cross sections and longitudinal sections; but they also depict chronologies, with graphic representations of construction timetabling and operations.

« The profile of a tunnel is determined by the interplay of hydrological, geological and technical factors. »

BLS AlpTransit Ltd, Statement on the input from the cantons and federal offices (Lötschberg base line preliminary project), 16. Juni 1905

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