Jin Shazhou Tunnel on the Wuhan – Guangzhou high-speed railway line

The Jin Shazhou Tunnel comprises a 3,464 m-long, conventionally constructed tunnel section with a minimum cover thickness of 6 m and a maximum of 57 m. It includes a 1,000 m-long section with open excavation (cut-and-cover construction) in a rectangular style and an open trough.

The tunnel is equipped with a ballastless track for high-speed trains and is designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h. The cross section is 100 m² with a diameter of 12.6 m. The average maximum width of excavation is 15.10 m. The tunnel follows a V-shaped longitudinal profile with a maximum gradient of 20.

The main difficulties arise from the shallow depth (with only 6 m of cover at a minimum) and challenging geological and hydrogeological conditions. Strong weathering and karstification of the rock substratum combined with varying soil cover in the Pearl River Delta Plain and multiple, partly artesian groundwater horizons pose considerable challenges. Together with Chinese partners, German engineers oversee supervision and ensure compliance with internationally recognised quality and safety standards.