University Link - Design

Owner
Central Puget Sound Regional Transit
Client
North Link Transit Partners
Cost
€1.6 billion USD
Timeframe
July 2007 — January 2009
Services performed
Sub-consultant for NATM/SEM design and waterproofing design.
Description
University Link is a 5km light rail extension that runs in twin-bored tunnels from Downtown Seattle north to the University of Washington, with stations at Capitol Hill and on the University of Washington campus. The twin-bored tunnels are connected with 20 cross passages. Dr. Sauer & Partners performed the temporary and final support design for the cross passages. This included the design of excavation and support measures and the development of specific ground support categories, settlement analyses, and the structural analyses of initial and permanent lining.
Geology
The geology along the alignment consists of over-consolidated glacial clay and till with fractured zones, as well as sand and silt layers.
Location
Seattle, USA

Highlights

  • The geology along the alignment consists of over-consolidated glacial clay and till with fractured zones, as well as sand and silt layers.
  • Finite element analyses, settlement analyses, seismic and structural analyses
  • 20 cross passages in soft ground

T Cross Passage

3D Finite Element Model