Port of Miami Tunnels

Roger B. STORRY, Christopher FESQ, Yan TAIBI, Pierre PASCUAL, Louis BRAIS, Pascal DENIS, Philippe BOURDON  
BOUYGUES Travaux Publics

Abstract

Bouygues Travaux Publics has been appointed by the Florida Department of Transportation to design and build the first two large tunnels in the Byscayne Bay, an area well known for its particularly challenging ground conditions. After having dealt with more than 40 different environmental permits, Bouygues Travaux Publics implemented a panel of innovative techniques to overcome the various challenges of the Project, among which the lateral supports for the required deep excavations, the ground treatments necessary for the tunnel boring machine (TBM) operations, the launching and retrieval of the TBM and the TBM operations modes. In addition, the various specifications of the Project lead to develop a unique concrete mix to comply with the 150 years durability requirements, to install a passive fire protection system, and coordinate the tunnel systems and operations with the relevant authorities and emergency services in order to build and operate these tunnels in a safe and reliable environment. In the specific legal and normative context of the State of Florida, Bouygues Travaux Publics is currently completing a tunneling project, which, in many instances, represents a “one of a kind” and deserved a specific architectural treatment to emphasize Bouygues know-how.