Corporate Brochure EN TUC RAIL

English version

TUC RAIL

Creative RailTechnologyfor SustainableMobility

2 TUC RAIL Corporate Brochure

The RER site in Genval

3TUC RAIL Corporate Brochure

Contents

Contents

PublisherDirk Demuynck (CEO TUC RAIL)39 Avenue Fonsny1060 Bruxelles

This brochure is printed on FSC labeled paper.

Any reproduction, even partial, is prohibited, without the permission of TUC RAIL.

September 2012

Introduction

Who are we? Inafewwords... Ourmission Ourvalues Ourexpertise

Our projects TGV RegionalExpressNetwork Concentrationofsignalboxes Improvingaccesstoairports AxisbetweenGhentandthecoast ImprovingaccesstoAntwerpport ThreeinvestmentprogramsforBrussels Removaloflevelcrossings Raisingtheheightofplatforms Maintainingcapacity Re-electrificationofLine162 MiscellaneousInfrabelprojects OtherprojectsinBelgium Expertiseinhighspeedprojectsexportedabroad

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Introduction

Dear Reader,

AsubsidiaryofInfrabel,TUCRAILisanengineeringfirmspecializinginrailroadinfrastructureandtechnology.2012isanimportantyearforTUCRAIL,asitmarksthetwentiethanniversaryofitsexistence.Twentyyearsofboldchallengesandexcitingprojectsintheserviceofsustainablemobility.

OurprojectsareoftenverylargeinscopeandrangefromtheconstructionofthehighspeedtrainnetworkinBelgiumtotheDiaboloraillink,viatheRegionalExpressNetwork,theconcentrationofsignalboxesontheBelgianrailnetworkandtheLiefkenshoekraillink.ButTUCRAILalsomanagesalargenumberofotherprojects.

Thisbrochurewillletyoubecomeacquaintedwithalltheseaccomplishments.Inityouwillalsofindmoreinformationonourhistory,ourmission,ourvalues,thecompositionofourshareholdersandourdifferentareasofexpertise.

Ihopeyouenjoyreadingit.

Sincerely,

Dirk DemuynckCEO

Introduction


Who are we?


In a few words...

In a few words...

TUC RAIL is an engineering and project management firm specializing in rail technology.

TUCRAILS.A.wasfoundedin1992bytheSNCB(nationalBelgianrailroadcompany)andTransurbTechnirail(formerlyTRANSURBCONSULT).In2005,followingthebreakupoftheSNCBintothreeentities,SNCB’ssharesinTUCRAILweretakenoverbyInfrabel,theBelgianrailinfrastructuremanager.Sincethen,thecompanyhasdemonstrateditsknow-howintherailroadandparticularlyrailroadinfrastructurespheres.

TUCRAILhasambitionstobecomeoneofthetopengineeringfirmsforrailtechnologybothinBelgiumandabroad.Itsexpertiseiscenteredaroundprojectmanagement,designandconstruction,bothofnewandofexistingrailinfrastructure(modificationandmodernization).

InBelgium,TUCRAILworksforInfrabel,therailroadinfrastructuremanager.TUCRAILthereforemanages,onadailybasis,large-scalecomplexprojectstodevelopandmodernizeoneofthebusiestrailroadnetworkswithintheheartofWesternEurope.Thishasenabledittoacquireextensiveexperience.TUCRAILalsoappliesitsexpertisetoprojectsabroad.ItisthereforemakingoptimaluseoftheknowledgeacquiredinBelgium,istakingupnewchallenges

anddiversifyingitsexperience.ThisdiversificationalsooffersalternativecareeropportunitiestoTUCRAILemployees.

TUCRAILhasbeenawardedthe2008versionoftheISO9001qualitycertificatewhichguaranteesproperexecutionofallmissionsassignedtoit.Thecompanyemploysover900peopleandachievedaturnoverofaround100millioneurosin2010.

Our missionTo provide Infrabel with excellent “end-to-end” services in the area of railroad

infrastructure, with an emphasis on a full service offering for key projects (design and construction) and the continual improvement

of our added value.

To provide other clients with cost-effective engineering services in the area of

infrastructure. These services are selected depending on the resources available, the

profit margin and the new knowledge to be acquired.


Nos valeurs


Our values

Our values

Share our passionEnthusiasm • Optimism • Enjoyment • Sharing

Wewanttoworkenthusiasticallyandwithmotivationonlong-lastingandedifyingprojectsforthefuture.Weareproudofourworkandproudtobepartofamotivatedteamandfascinatingcompany.Weshareoursuccessesandourjobsatisfaction.

Show respectRight to be different • Identity • Integrity • Environment

Werecognize,respectandvalueeachindividualandeveryteamfortheirindividuality,diversityandauthenticity.Weareconsideratetoourenvironment.

Better collaborationSharing • Communicating • Thinking • Acting

Wewanttoshareknowledge,experience,resourcesandideaswithaviewtoachievingcommongoals.TUCRAILconsiderscollaborationwithcustomers,shareholdersandfellowemployeesthemosteffectivewayoffindingoptimalsolutions-andthemostpleasant...

Take responsibilityInitiatives • Decisions • Commitment • Reasoning

Withrespecttoourcustomersandshareholdersaswellasouremployees,eachindividualemployeewillcontinuallytakecourageousdecisionsaccordingtocircumstancesandmeettheirobligationsandkeeptotheiragreementsinhis/herrole.

Continuous improvementProgress • Innovation • Efficiency • FlexibilityAsacompany,wewanttoincreasecontinuouslythevaluethatweofferourcustomers,shareholdersandemployees.


Our expertise

Our expertisePreliminary studies• Developmentofrailroadinfrastructure• Designofhighspeedlines• Modernizationofexistinglines• Feasibilitystudies• Drawingupmasterplans• Compilationofsafetydocumentation

Detailed engineering studies• Topographical,geotechnicalandhydraulicstudies• Earthworksengineeringstudies• Designofbridges,viaducts,tunnels,etc.• Studiesandlogisticalsupportfortracklaying• Directcurrentandalternatingcurrentelectrification• Signalingandtelecommunications• Preparationofsafetydocumentation• Safety/project/riskanalysiscoordinationdependingon: -Projectexecution -Usage -Maintenance

Construction site supervision• Organizationofworksites• Qualitycontrol• Detailedengineeringstudiesandsurveys• Coordinationofsafety/constructionwithparticularattentionpaidtothesafetyofTUCRAILemployees,thoseworkingfor

contractors,travellersandthirdparties• Monitoringofworks• Testingandvalidation

Project management• Compulsorypurchases• Permits• Environmentalmanagement• Technicalandfinancialanalyses• Scheduling• Costevaluationandplanning• Carryingoutauditsofrailroadprojects


Our projects


TUC RAIL was put in charge of designing and supervising construction of the high speed rail network in Belgium. Its main responsibilities concerned feasibility studies, preliminary studies (including ground surveys), project and construction plans, detailed engineering studies, technical specifications, worksite inspection and supervision, analysis and comparison of bids, overall management of the project and final acceptance.

ThehighspeedlineslinkBrussels,AntwerpandLiegetothemaincitiesofneighboringcountries(Paris,London,Cologne,RotterdamandAmsterdam),therebyformingthefirstinternationalhighspeednetworkinEurope.InBelgium,thehighspeedrail(HSR)networkconsistsof314kmofrailroad,including200kmofnewtrack.Theremainderismadeupoftrackswhichhavebeenmodernizedandadaptedforhighspeeduse.Itismadeupofthreemainbranches:theWestern,EasternandNorthernbranches.

Western branchTUCRAILdesignedandconstructedtheWesternbranchoftheHSRnetworkinBelgiumbetweenBrusselsandtheFrenchborder,aprojectwhichtooklessthanfiveyearstocomplete.Therouteincludes88kmofrailroad,incorporating71kmofnewtracksand17kmofmodifiedtracks.

Eastern branchThebranchbetweenBrusselsandtheGermanborderconsistsof33kmofexistinglinebetweenBrusselsandLeuven,whichwasmodernized,62kmofnewlinebetweenLeuvenandBiersetand54kmofneworrenovatedlinebetweenBiersetandtheGermanborder.Themaximumspeedonthenewtracksis320km/h.

Northern branchThisbranch,linkingBrusselswiththeDutchborder,consistsof46kmofmodernizedandmodifiedtracksbetweenBrusselsandAntwerp,5kmofpartiallymodernized/newlinesinthecityofAntwerpand35kmofnewhighspeedlinesbetweenAntwerpandtheDutchborder.

HSR network

HSR network

The Hal bridges (Western Branch) The Humaniteitsbrug in Drogenbos (Western Branch)


HSR network

ConstructionoftheHSRnetworkrequiredthecompletionofanumberoflargeinfrastructuralprojectssuchastheHalbridges,theAntoingviaduct,theSoumagnetunnel,theHerve,BatticeandJoséviaducts,thetunnelunderAntwerpstationandthenewstopatNoorderkempen.

UptoSeptember1998,TUCRail’sactivitieswereentirelyrelatedtotheHSRprojectinBelgium.Today,thecompanyalsoprovidesprojectmanagement,technicalstudiesandworksitemanagementforallinfrastructureprojectsinBelgiumandinternationally.

The tunnel under Antwerp station (Northern Branch) Noorderkempen stop (Northern Branch)

The Soumagne tunnel (Eastern Branch) The Battice viaduct (Eastern Branch)


Regional Express Network

The construction of the Regional Express Network (RER) in and around Brussels is currently one of TUC RAIL’s biggest projects. The RER will provide a solution to the increasing gridlock on the road network in and around Brussels, gridlock which has disastrous consequences for the environment. Mobility within a 30 km radius of the capital will be considerably improved by increasing capacity on the main rail lines into and out of Brussels. This increased capacity has already been partially achieved as part of the high speed rail works and needs to be completed with the switching of three lines to a 4-track alignment and the construction of the new Schuman-Josaphat tunnel. The RER is a wide-ranging, complex project which cannot be summarized in a few lines. The text below outlines the main elements of the project.

TheRERprojectconcernsLine161(Ottignies–Brussels)whichhasbeensplitintotwosegments,namelytheOttigniestoWatermaelpartandtheWatermaeltoJosaphatpart(includingthenewSchuman-Josaphattunnel),Line124(Nivelles–Brussels)andLine50A(Denderleeuw–Brussels-Midi).TUCRAILhasbeenappointedbyInfrabeltoprovideprojectmanagement,designandsupervisionoftheworkstoswitchthesethreelinestoa4-trackalignment.Importantinfrastructuralworksarecurrentlyunderway,includingthemodificationorrenovationoftrackbeds,tracks,overheadlines,bridges,tunnels,stopsandstations.

Line161iscurrentlyonecontinuousconstructionsitebetweenSchumanstationandtheLouvain-la-Neuvejunction.TheWatermaelSchumanJosaphatprogramwasfirsttobegin,andisthereforethemostadvancedofthefourRERprograms.ConstructionoftheSchuman-Josaphattunnelisapproachingcompletion,andtheinstallationoftherailequipmentstarted

thisyear.TheopensectionalongtheexistinglinebetweenSchumanandWatermaeliscompleted.Onlytheendsofthesectionarestillunderconstruction:totheNorththerenovationofSchumanstationandtotheSouththeredevelopmentofthetracksintheso-called“Etterbeek”triangle.

CivilengineeringworksarewellunderwayintheWatermael-Ottigniesprogram.Fouroftheninecivilengineeringsiteswillshortlybecompleted:Ottignies-Sud,Hoeilaart,Limal-LimeletteandGenval.


RER site at Schuman station



Thedensityofhabitationoftheareascrossedrequiresseveralstructuresoforiginaldesign:cantileverstructuresonpilesatthetopofslopesandseveralwallsontimberedtrenchesorsecantpileshaveenabledmanycompulsorypurchasestobeavoided.

Theexistingbridgesarebeingrenovated,notonlytoaccommodatethefourtracksbutalsotomatchthewidthoftheroadwaytocurrentroadandpedestriantraffic.Severalbridgesstraddlingthetrackshavebeenreplacedbycoveredcuttingsallowingnewdevelopmentsofstationsandtheirsurroundings.

Newoverheadlinegantrieshavebeeninstalledabovethecurrenttracksandthenewplatformstoallowexistingtrackstobemovedandnewtrackstobeinstalledwithoutdisruptiontorailtraffic.

ThemajorcivilengineeringworkonLine124beganatUccle,Waterloo,Braine-l’AlleudandNivelles.ThezonescrossedbythelinepresentsimilaritieswiththosecrossedbyLine161.Identicalsolutionsarebeingusedinbothcases.

Forthestationredevelopments,TUCRAILisworkingwiththetwospecialistsubsidiariesofSNCB-Holding:Eurogare,formerlyEuroliègeTGV,andEurostation.TwonewcarparksatBraine-l’Alleud(450spaces)andNivelles(700spaces)arealreadyinuse.

Besidesmodernizingtheinfrastructure(bridgesandrailplatforms)andthepassengerfacilities(parking,accesstoplatformsandplatforms),TUCRAILisalsoworkingtorenewthesignalingtoimprovesafetyonLine124.

Line50AconstitutesthethirdandfinalpartoftheRERproject.Severalbridgesalongthislinehavealsobeenmodified

RER site in Genval

RER works in Nivelles



orrenovatedwithaviewtodoublinguptherailroadtrack.ThePedeviaductatDilbeekiscertainlyoneofthemostspectacularofthesebridgeworks,withTUCRAILlayingtwoadditionallinesataheightof20metersagainstanalreadyexistinglistedbuilding.Thetracksarebeinglaidondeckswhicharethemselvesrestingoncantileveredsupports.Renovationofthealready-existingstructureofthePedeviaductwasalsocarriedoutbyTUCRAIL.

Inadditiontothedoublingofthesethreelines,TUCRAILalso,aspartoftheRERproject,modernizedLine36betweenLeuvenandBrussels.ItbuiltandfittedouttheZaventemandKortenbergstationsaswellasthestopsatDiegem,Nossegem,Erps-Kwerps,VeltemandHerent.InfrabelemployedEurostationtodesignthenewstations.

Pede viaduct in Dilbeek Zaventem station on Line 36


Concentration of signal boxes


After completing the TGV network in Belgium, TUC RAIL was awarded several contracts for the construction of large scale projects. One of these projects involves the concentration of the signal boxes on the Belgian railroad network.

Underthiscontract,InfrabelhasentrustedTUCRAILwithresponsibilityforprovidingoverallprojectmanagementaswellasjointlyassistingwiththeupgradingofthesignalingsystemontheBelgianrailroadnetwork.Thesignalboxconcentrationprojectsareofvitalimportanceastheyrelatetothesafetyoftherailroadnetwork,whichisoneofInfrabel’skeystrategicfocusareas.

Atthebeginningoftheproject,theBelgiannetworkwascontrolledby368signalingstations,eachboxbeingoccupiedbyoperatorswhomanagerailtrafficviaroutes(usingsignals-pointswitching–traindetectors).Theultimateobjectiveoftheprojectistoconcentratethesestationsinto31operationalstationswithanadditional11localcommandstationswhichcanberemotelycontrolledbyoneofthe31finalstations(forfacilitieswithlargesortingsidingsforfreighttrains).

Insomecases,concentrationofthesignalboxesinvolvesreplacingtheexistinginstallationwithultramodernelectronicinterlocking.Thismeansenhancedsafety,greaterregularityandbetterinformationaboutrailroadtraffic.

© SNCB-Holding


Thetechnologyusedtosafelycontrolandmonitortrainmovementsisfullycomputerizedandallowsforequipmenttobecontrolled(signals-pointswitches)withinaradiusof10to100km.Thiscontrastswiththetraditionalsignalingstationswhichwerelimitedtoadistanceof5to6km.

Thefullconcentrationandmodernizationprocesscanonlybecompletedifcertainancillarytechnicalconditions,notdirectlyrelatedtothesignalingsystemitself,arefulfilled.Itis,forexample,essentialthattransmissionofinformationbetweentheequipmentonthegroundandthesignalboxshouldbedoneviaafiberopticnetworkandthatpowersuppliestotheequipmentbemademoresecureusingaredundantpowersupplysystem.

Thenewcentralizedsystemwillbemoreuser-friendlyandergonomicandthereforeeasiertooperatethantheolderequipment.Inaddition,train-relatedinformationwillbeanalyzedinanentirelydifferentway,comparedtothepast,whichwillbemoreefficient.

InfrabelSignalisationisresponsibleforthetechnicaloversightofthisprojectinordertoensurethesafetyofthesignalingsystemsinstalled.TUCRAILisinchargeofprogrammanagement.Itsmissionistomakesurethattheentireprojectiscarriedout.Alsoincludedaredesign,coordinationofcertainworksexecutedbythirdpartiesandfunctionaltests.Thisprogramalsoinvolvestheconstructionof17newsignalboxes.Anotherpartoftheprogramconsistsoftheconstructionand/ortheequipmentforthefeederstationsand1,000voltsupplytopowerthenewsignalingequipment.Asregardsconstructionwork,TUCRAILisinvolvedinreplacingthesignalingsysteminseveralstationsandinstallingthesignalingsystemoncertainsectionsoftheBelgiannetwork.



Improving access to airports

Mobility is a big issue in Belgium. TUC RAIL is playing its part in improving mobility through different projects including, among others, improving rail access to the airports. The objective is to make the airports more accessible and provide an efficient link between the airports and the major cities in neighboring countries.

Brussels AirportWithintheframeworkoftheDiaboloproject,TUCRAILwasresponsiblefortheoverallprogrammanagement,thedesignandsupervisionoftheDiaboloworksexecutedwithintheframeworkofaPublicPrivatePartnership(PPP),i.e.essentiallytheboringofthetunnelundertheairportandBrucargosites.

TUCRAILhadalreadyworkedwithintheframeworkofaPPPforothercustomersinthepast.Infrabelwasthusabletobenefitfromthecompany’sexperience,amajorassetforthemanagementofthecontractualaspectsrequiredbytheconstructionsbuiltwithintheframeworkofthePPP.ThisalsoallowedTUCRAILtodemonstratetheflexibilityneededtomanagethevariousinterestsofthepartnersconcerned.

TUCRAILthereforedeliveredwhatcouldbetermedasa“turnkey”projecttoitscustomer,Infrabel,insofarastheinfrastructuredeliveredwascompletelyreadytobeputintoservice.WorkingwithintheframeworkofaPPPhadseveralimplications.Thestructureofthecontractwasverydifferent,whichmeantdevisinganothermethodofnegotiation.


Tunnel underneath Brussels Airport Zemst bridge over E19 freeway



Moreover,theDiaboloprojectbroughttogetheragreaternumberofpartnersthaninatraditionalproject,whichledTUCRAILandInfrabeltoadoptseveralroles.

Theentireprojectlastednearlysevenyears.Thepreparatorystudiesdatefrom2005.Theyincludedthepreliminarystudies,thepermitrequestsanddrawingupthespecifications.TheworksonthecentralreservationoftheE19freewaybeganon2ndJuly2007.TheworksrelatingtothepartfallingunderthescopeofthePPPbeganendOctober2007,whereastheworksintheBrussels-CapitalRegionbeganatthebeginningofAugust2009.Theentireinfrastructurewasfinalised,testedandvalidatedinlinewiththeschedule.

TherailwaytunnelboredfortheDiabolostartsatBrusselsNationalAirportrailwaystation(cut-and-covertunnelapproximately400mlong).Itthenpassesunderthetake-offandlandingstrips(boredtunnelwithtwo1070-mlongtubes).ItcontinuesundertheBrucargoarea(450-metrelongcut-and-covertunnel)andthenundertheMacheleninterchange.Itthenresurfacesonthecentralreservationwhereitjoinsthenew25NlinelinkingSchaerbeekandMalines.Theboringofthedoubletunnelhadtobeoftheutmostprecisionbecausetheleastgroundsubsidencecouldhavedisastrousconsequencesforaplanetakingofforlanding.Itwaspossibletoborethetwintunnelwithadeviationof

lessthantwocentimetres,aremarkablemarginwellbelowthetolerancemargin.

Theovergroundworksarecenteredonthenew25NlinewhichpassesonthecentralreservationoftheE19freeway.Althoughtheyarelessspectacularthantheundergroundworks,theyareneverthelessanotablefeat.Thedesignofthe150-mlongZemstbridgeisagoodexample.TUCRAILalsobuiltthe“Iris”viaduct:820mlongand20mhigh,itstandson42pillarstoppedoffwithaniris,thesymboloftheBrussels-CapitalRegion.AsforthebridgeontheWoluwelaan,itisanintegralbridgewhosethreefloorslabsareconnectedasamonolithtotheabutments.Builtasanarchbridge,ithasaspanof90m.

Zemst bridge over E19 freeway

Railway line on E19 central reservation



Haren viaduct

Brussels South Charleroi AirportThe objective of this TUC RAIL-managed project is to create a rail link between Brussels South Charleroi Airport and the Belgian rail network, which will be a major asset for the future development of the airport.

Besides serving the airport itself, the new stop could also act as a pull for people working in and close to the airport (industrial zone) and for commuters travelling to Brussels.

ThenewrailroadlinewilllinkLuttrestationonLine124(Charleroi-South–Brussels)toLine140(Charleroi-South–Ottignies)attheformerRansartstationpassingthroughtheairportzone.Theairport/airportbusinessandtechnologypark

zoneswillbecrossedbytunnel.Thestationwillbelocatedunderneaththeairport.Aparkinglotwillbebuiltclosebywitheasyaccessfromthefreeway.

ThemissionentrustedtoTUCRAILbyInfrabelextendsfromthedesignoftheprojectuptoitsconstructionandincludes,amongotherthings,thepreliminarystudies,thedrawingupofdocumentsrequiredforadministrativeproceduressuchasapplicationsforpermits,thedesignitself,themanagementandsupervisionoftheworksiteaswellasmanagementoftheproject.


Axis between Ghent and the coast


To respond to the increase in passenger traffic and actively support the commercial development and expansion of Zeebrugge port, Infrabel is currently carrying out various infrastructural works between Ghent and Zeebrugge. A third and fourth track are currently being developed between Ghent and Bruges while a third track is being installed between Bruges and Dudzele. Due to the combination of slow and fast trains, the existing line has already been operating at full capacity for a number of years. This means that it is no longer possible to add any additional trains and delays cannot therefore be reduced. The additional rail infrastructure will therefore allow for improved links with the hinterland for freight-related transport, as well as a smoother flow of passenger traffic.

Two additional tracks between Ghent and Bruges ThisprogramincorporatesthedevelopmentofathirdandfourthtrackbetweenGhentandBruges,overadistanceofapproximately30km.Thelayingoftheseadditionaltrackswillenableslowtraintraffictobeseparatedfromfasttrains.ThecapacityoftherailroadlinelinkingGhenttoBrugeswillthereforebeincreased.

Thisincreaseincapacityinvolvestheremovalofalllevelcrossingsontheroute,theirreplacementwithnewbridgesandtunnels,ordevelopmentofnewroadsrunningalongsidethetrackslinkingupwithexistingbridgesortunnels.Retaininglevelcrossingsonafour-tracklinewouldactuallyinvolveanincreaseinthedurationandfrequencyofgateclosedperiods,resultinginlongwaitingtimesforroadusers.Removingthelevelcrossingswouldalsopreventanyaccidentsinvolvingroadtraffic.

Tunnel under Hansbeke stop between Ghent and Aalter Bridge over Bevrijdingslaan in Bruges (simulation)



DevelopmentofthethirdandfourthtrackswillnecessitatetheconstructionofanundergroundbranchlineatSnepkaai(entering/exitingGhent-Saint-Peterstation),thecompleteredevelopmentofthestopsbetweenGhentandBrugesandtheadjustmentofallbridgesandtunnelstothewideningofthetrack.Theworkswillbecompletedinphases.

Development of a third track between Bruges and DudzeleThisprogramisaimedatincreasingthecapacityofthesectiononLines51and51AbetweenBrugesandtheDudzelebranchlinebydevelopingathirdtrack7.4kmlongbetweenBrugesstationandtheDudzelejunction.Thespeedonthesectionwillalsobeincreasedfrom90to120km/h.

Atthesametime,Infrabelismakingvariousimprovementstothislinewiththemodificationandrenovationofbranchlinesandbridgesaswellastheremovalofalevelcrossing(atLentestraat).Addingthethirdtrackalsoinvolvesconstructionofanundergroundjunctionatthe“BlauweToren”branchline.

ConstructionworkscommencedinFebruary2010.TUCRAILisinchargeoftheoverallmanagementofthetwoprograms.Apartfromgeneralcoordination,thismissionalsoincludesthedesignandsupervisionoftheworks,inclosecooperationwithvariousinternalandexternalservices.Toensurethattheseprogramsoperatecorrectly,appropriatemodernmanagementmethodswillbeused:schedulingmanagement,drawingupofannualbudgetsandbudgetarymanagementforeachprogram,riskmanagement,compilationofreports,etc.

Bridge over Blankenbergsesteenweg in Bruges (simulation)


Improving access to Antwerp port

Liefkenshoek rail linkTheLiefkenshoekraillinkisadirectlinkbetweentheleftandrightbanksoftheScheldt.Itisaimedatrespondingtotheexpectedconsiderablegrowthinfreighttrafficintheregionintheyearsahead.

ThenewraillinkwillrelievepressureonthebusyAntwerp-Berchemintersection,andalsosignificantlycutthejourneytimeforgoodstrafficbetweentheLeftandRightBanks.

Thenewlinkconsistsofatwo-trackstretch16.2kmlongrunningfromthewesternbundleheadoftheexistingSouthbundleontheLeftBank.FromtherethenewrailwaylinerunsparalleltotheE34/N49freewayandtotheR2fromtheE34/N49-R2interchange.The


Liefkenshoek railway tunnel

3

South bundle

Liefkenshoek rail link

Nederlanden

LierBrussel

Vertakking Krijgsbaan

North bundle



longitudinalprofilestartstodrop,beforepassingundertheWaaslandcanalfurtheronviatheexistingbutneverusedBeverenrailtunnel.AftertheBeverentunnelthetrackcontinuesunderground,inanopencuttingparalleltotheR2.Via2parallelsingle-trackdrilledtunnelshaftseach6kmlongthenewlinethenpassesundertheScheldtandthecanaldockbeforejoiningupwithLine11andAntwerp-NordmarshallingyardontheRightBank.

ThecivilengineeringcomponentoftheprojectwillbecarriedoutbymeansofaDBFMcontractunderaPublicPrivatePartnership(PPP).AprivatepartnershipwillberesponsibleforDesign,Building,FinanceandMaintenanceofthenewinfrastructure.LOCORAIL,aconsortiumspecificallysetupforthispurpose,composedofBAMPPP,CFEandVinciConcessions,hasbeenselectedastheprivatepartnerforthis

project.LOCORAILwillhandovertheinfrastructuretoInfrabelforaperiodof38years.Infrabelwillpayanavailabilitypaymentperyear.Attheendofthis38yearperiod,theinfrastructurewillbetransferredtoInfrabelfreeofcharge.

Giventhelengthofthetunnels,particularattentionwaspaidtosafetyinthem.Adetailedsafetystudywasusedasabasisfordeterminingthemostappropriatesafetymeasures.Thisisexpressedinboththepassiveandactivefiresafetymeasures.

Unlikeinpassengertunnels,whereincaseoffirethesafeevacuationofpassengerstakespriority,intheeventofafireinagoodstunnelthepriorityistoputthefireoutasquicklyaspossible.Thisisbecausethefireloadofgoodstrainscanbeveryhigh,whichcouldjeopardizethestructuralintegrityofthetunnel.Hencethechoiceofanautomaticfoamextinguishingsystem,thefirstofitskindinBelgium.

Variousothersafetymeasureswerealsoincorporatedintothedesign.Forexample,severalevacuationshaftsandcross-passageshavebeenprovided,andthetunnelhasbeenequippedwithalinearfiredetectionsystem,smokeandheatextractionfans,camerasurveillance,accesscontrolbymeansofabadgesystem,guaranteed(redundant)electricalpower,agasdetectionsystem,firehydrants,theASTRIDcommunicationsystemfortheemergencyservices,aBuildingManagementSystemandanautomaticgasandfirescenarioPLClinkedtothesignals.

Tunnel bore machine used to excavate Liefkenshoek tunnel



Access ramp of Beveren tunnel

“Oude Landen” junction and second access line to the portRailplaysamajorroleinthetransportoffreighttraffictoandfromAntwerpport.The27Afreightline,whosecurrentmainaxisrunsalongsidetheAntwerpringroad,iscurrentlyexperiencingproblemsrelatingtocapacity.Inaddition,thevariousportexpansionworksandtheincreaseintherailmarketsharewillleadtogrowthintrafficintheyearsahead.Anincreaseinthecapacityofthelineisthereforerequired.

Constructionofthe“OudeLanden”junctionatEkeren,forwhichTUCRAILisdoingthedesignwork,isinlinewiththisplan.Itwillallowforaconsiderableincreaseincapacityonline27A.

ThisjunctionmarksthestartofworkonthesecondrailaccesslinetoAntwerpport.ThiswillberealizedwithanewfreightlinewhichwilllinktheporttotherailroadnetworkatLierandforwhichTUCRAILiscurrentlycarryingoutthepreliminarystudies.AftercrossingtheE19freeway,thesecondaccesslinewillrunalongsidetheA102,thefuturefreewaybetweentheAntwerp-Northroadjunction(A12/E19)andtheE313atWommelgem.AftertheWommelgemroundabout,thenewlinewilltraveltowardsLieronan,asyet,undeterminedroute.


Three capacity extension programs for BrusselsTUC RAIL is responsible for program management, design, management and supervision of work for three major investment programs which will allow for an increase in railroad capacity in Brussels.

AtBrussels-Midi,workonthenew4-trackalignmentontheL50A(Ghent-Brussels)hasbeenunderwaysince2009intheWesternpartoftheexistinginfrastructure.Furtherinthefuture,towards2025,otherimportantcivilengineering

structureswillbebuilttoallowfortrackcrossingstoberemovedinthecenterandEasternpartofthezone,stretchingfromtheForeststationtotheplatformsatBrussels-Midi.

TotheWestoftheBrussels-Nordquadrangle,planningpermissionhasbeenrequestedfortheconstructionofagrade-separatedcrossingbetweentrackAoftheLGV36N(Brussels-Liège)andtheL50(Brussels-Denderleeuw)whichtravelsalongsiderueduProgrèsinSchaerbeek.AsecondphaseofworkswillseetheconstructionofanewbranchtrackcalledtheL161/3.Runningthroughatunnel,itwilldirectlylinkL161(Brussels-Namur)tothetracksofL25(Brussels-Antwerp)whichfollowsthethirdboxculvertoftheNord-Midi

junctionandpassestotheEastofthequadrangle.OthertrackcrossingswillalsohavetoberemovedatSchaerbeek¬Formation.

TheideaofincreasingthecapacityoftheNord–MidiaxisinBrusselswasinitiatedin2009byInfrabelasaresponsetotheproblemofcongestionofthethreeboxculvertsattheNord-Midijunction.AmajorgeneraltransportreviewandfeasibilitystudieswereconductedbyTUCRAIL’steamsincollaborationwithapartnerengineeringfirmtodeterminethebestoptionsintermsofnewinfrastructurescapableofmeetingthetransportneedsidentified

by2030.SinceMarch2012,theresultshavebeenpresentedbyInfrabeltotherelevantauthoritieswithaviewtodeterminingfuturedirectionsforthisambitiousprogramofincreasingcapacity.

Three capacity extension programs for Brussels

Work at Rue du Progrès near Brussels-Nord station (simulation)


Three capacity extension programs for BrusselsInfrabel drew up its 2008-2015 strategic plan in response to the Belgian government’s desire to reduce the number of accidents at level crossings. The aim of this plan is to structurally improve safety at level crossings and to reduce by 25%, compared to 2007, the number of injuries and deaths resulting from accidents.

Infrabel’splanprovidesfortheremovalof200levelcrossingsthroughoutthenetwork.Todothis,railinfrastructuremanagerInfrabelhasentrustedTUCRAILwithresponsibilityforoverallprojectmanagementandthedesignandexecutionofanumberofremovalprojectswhichcannotbehandledbyInfrabel.Dependingontheimportanceofthelevelcrossingandlocalconditions,aremovalprojectusuallyincludesthefollowingelements:

• aparallelroadrunningtoanadjacentlevelcrossing;

• anunderpassforpedestriansandcyclists;

• abridgeoverthetracks;• atunnelunderthetracks

TUCRAILfollowsseveralstepswhenremovingalevelcrossing:

• preparatoryassessmentandpreliminarysurveysandtransportsurveyswherenecessary;

• negotiationswiththemunicipalitiesandpreliminarydesign;

• publicconsultationandRoyalDecree;• compulsorypurchases;• planningpermission;• drawingupofspecificationsandawardingofcontract;• executionoftheworks.

Removal of level crossings

Removal of level crossings

Tunnel replaces level crossing in Sint-Niklaas, between Antwerp and Ghent


Raising the height of platforms / Maintaining capacity

Raising the height of platformsThe management contract between the Belgian state and Infrabel stipulates that accessibility to the infrastructure for travelers must be improved. For this purpose, Infrabel has drawn up a plan for the “systematic improvement of accessibility to platforms”. This plan is based on three principles: installing elevators and wheelchair ramps on the platforms, the installation of warning and guide lines and raising the height of the platforms.

Duringthe2009to2022period,Infrabelwillraisetheheightofplatformsin160stationsandstops.Theseplatformswillalsobeequippedwithwarningandguidelines.73%oftravelerswillbeabletouseraisedplatforms.Toachievethisambitiousplan,InfrabelhasentrustedTUCRAILwithresponsibilityforoverallprogrammanagementaswellasthedesignandexecutionofacertainnumberofprojectswhicharenotcarriedoutbyInfrabel.

TUCRAILtakesthefollowingstepswhenraisingtheheightofaplatform:drawingupapreliminarydesign,applyingforplanningpermissionandcompulsorypurchaseorders(wheretheplatformsaremoved),compilingthetechnicalspecifications,awardingthecontractandexecutionoftheworks.

Infrabel’s Infrastructure Division has entrusted TUC RAIL with the overall Program Management of the projects to maintain capacity in Brussels. This mission has been extended to the design, management and supervision of the Brussels overhead lines modernization work.

Twocivilengineeringcontractsarecurrentlybeingcarriedoutuptomid-2013.ThefirstconsistsoftheoverheadlinesfortheapproachtracksofBrussels-NordandforLine26andLine124.

ThesecondconcernsthemodernizationofthetwostoragesidingsatSchaerbeek-Formation.OtherworkalsoneedstobecarriedoutforInfrabel’sCentreZone:therenewalofrailsandswitches,themodernizationoftheheatingoftheswitchmotorsandthegrilllighting,thereplacementofvariouspiecesofequipmentinthestations,theprovisionofgeneratorsandtheconstructionofanewtractionsubstationatBrussels-Nord.

Maintaining capacity

New raised platform at Okegem station near Ninove


The re-electrification works on Line 162 are part of an overall modernization of the Infrabel managed line. The purpose of this modernization is to reduce journey times on the line.

InfrabelhasputTUCRAILinchargeofdesign,supervisionoftheworksandmanagementofthere-electrificationofL162betweenNamurandtheLuxembourgborder.

Theseworksconsistofacompleterenewaloftheoverheadlineinfrastructure.Thespecialfeatureofthisnewtypeofoverheadline,theconceptforwhichwasdevelopedbyTUCRAIL,isthatitismixed.Thismeansthatitiscompatiblewiththeexisting3kVdirectcurrentpowersupply(classiclines)butalsowiththefuture25kValternatingcurrentpowersupply.

Re-electrification of Line 162

Re-electrification of Line 162

Overhead lines on Line 162 in Barnich, near Arlon

Work at overhead lines in Sterpenich, near Arlon


Special work for InfrabelTUC RAIL also carries out special work for Infrabel outside the general framework of traditional infrastructural works.

GSM-R: communications and safetyTUCRAILisactivelyinvolvedinthedevelopmentoftheGSM-R(GSMforRailways)networkinBelgium.TheGSM-RnetworkformspartoftheEuropeanERTMS(EuropeanRailTrafficManagementSystem).Thissystemenablesmovementauthorizationsandspeedinstructionstobetransmittedfromthesignalboxesanddisplayedonthedrivers’dashboards.Besidesthemediumfortransmissionofrailsignals,theGSM-Ralsoenablestrafficsafetyingeneral,andthesafetyofemployeesandcompaniesworkingalongthetracksinparticular,tobeimproved.IncollaborationwithICTRA(ICTforRail,ICTdepartmentofSNCB-Holding),TUCRAILisresponsibleforpreliminarystudies,buildingpermitfiles,stabilitystudiesandmonitoringtheworkontheGSM-Rmasts.Around350mastshavebeenerected.Around140mastsbelongingtootheroperatorshavealsobeenmodified.Finally,weareexaminingthepossibilityofusingeightynewmaststodeployETCS2(EuropeanTrainControlSystem)onthelinesinquestion.

Business Continuity StrategyThenotionof“BusinessContinuity”referstothecontinuityofacompany’sbusinessanditsanticipationofwhatstepstotaketoensurethatitsbusinesscontinuesunderthebestconditionspossible.TheBusinessContinuityStrategyprogramsfortheNord-MidijunctioninBrusselsandtheKennedytunnelinAntwerpwereentrustedtoTUCRAILbyInfrabelin2009.Theseprogramsinvolvebringingtheoperationalavailabilityoftheexistingstructuresinlinewiththatofothermoderntunnelsincompliancewithcurrentstandardsandrecommendations.AfeasibilitystudywascarriedoutbytheTUCRAILteamstodefinethesafetyandavailabilitymeasuresrequiredtoguaranteethecontinuedoperationofthesestructuresandtoproposethestaggeringoftheworksovertwosuccessivephasesintegratedintoavastupgradeprogramoftheexistingrailinfrastructurebetweenBrussels-NordandBrussels-Midi.

Special work for Infrabel

Brussels Nord-Midi junction

GSM-R mast


In Belgium, TUC RAIL works not only for Infrabel but also for SNCB-Holding, the parent railroad company which also manages railroad property, and for SNCB which runs the network.

RecognizingTUCRAIL’sexperienceandexpertiseinthemanagementoflarge-scalesoilandgroundwatersanitationprojectsonformercontaminatedrailroadsites,SNCB-HoldinghasawardednumeroussanitationcontractstoTUCRAIL.ThemoststrikingexampleistheAntwerpDamproject.Thecityof

Antwerpdevelopedthenew“SpoorNoord”cityparkontwoneighboringsites.

ForSNCB,whichisinvestinginadditionalrollingstock,TUCRAILwillbeconstructingamultipurposeworkshopinMelle,nearGhent,forthemaintenanceandrepairofRERtrains.TUCRAILisalsodesigningandconstructingseveralcarwashfacilitiesinSchaerbeekandCourtrai.Finally,SNCBhasalsoaskedTUCRAILtoenlargeacontainertransshipmentterminalby41,000m2intheAntwerpportzone.

Other projects in Belgium

Other projects in Belgium

“Spoor Noord” City Park is an ancient railroad site in Antwerp for which TUC RAIL carried out soil sanitation.


Expertise in high speed projects abroadWhile best known for being the company that developed the high speed rail network in Belgium, TUC RAIL is also collaborating on the development of the high speed network at the international level, notably in Spain, France and Saudi Arabia.

SpainTheexpertiseofTUCRAILwasrelieduponforthelayingofaround44.5kmofhighspeedline(HSL)betweentheFrenchcityofPerpignanandtheSpanishtownofFigueres.Thetrainsonthislineareintendedtocarrybothpassengersandfreightatspeedsof350km/hand120km/hrespectively.Workswerecarriedoutbetween2004and2009.

TUCRAILcontributedtotheresearchanddevelopmentofthetechnicalaspectofthesystem(preliminaryandfinaldesign),theapprovaloftheimplementationstudiesandthesupervisionandinspectionofactivitiesintheareasofsafety,RAMS(Reliability,Availability,Maintainability,Safety),track,signaling,telecommunications,overheadlinesanddynamictestingTUCRAILalsoprovidedtechnicalassistanceduringthepreparationsoftheoperationsmanagement,themaintenanceandthetestingandvalidationprocedure,aswellasthecreationofthefinalRAMSfile.

ThePerpignan-Figueresprojectwascomplexanddifficult(differenttrackgauges,legislation,technicalnormsandstandards,etc.).TheprojectenabledTUCRAILtoworkatthelevelofbothafranchiseeandanengineeringgroup.Thankstothisproject,TUCRAILwasalsoabletofamiliarizeitselfwithworkingwithinthecontextofaPublic-Private

Projecten in het buitenland

HSL between Perpignan and Figueres


Expertise in high speed projects abroad

Partnership(PPP)andcooperatingwithahostofdifferentstakeholdersinawidevarietyoflanguages.Inthisway,TUCRAILwasabletodemonstrateandfurtherdevelopitsknowledgeof,forexample,electromagneticcompatibility,RAMSandERTMS(EuropeanRailTrafficManagementSystem)levels1and2.

FranceTUCRAILiscurrentlyworkingontwomajorprojects:theHSLSudEurope-AtlantiqueandtheHSLBretagne-PaysdelaLoire.

ThehighspeedlineSudEurope-Atlantique(HSLSEA)betweenToursandBordeauxwillcomprise340kmofnewlines,madeupof302kmofhighspeedlinesandaround40kilometresofconnectionstotheexistingline.

Aspartofthisproject,anIndependentTechnicalOrganization(ITO)hasbeenappointed.Itstaskistoassesstechnicalconformityandcompliancewiththeobligationsforsustainabledevelopmentforallofthetechnicalandenvironmentalareasrelatingtothedesignandconstructionofthenewline.ItwasTUCRAIL,inpartnership,thatwasappointedtocarryoutthismission.Tothisenditisresponsiblewithinthispartnershipforassessingthetechnicalequipment.Thismissionincludesassessingtheconformityofstudies,assessingtheconformityofwork,formulationofopinionsforallprojectassessments,compliancewiththequalityblueprintandtheenvironmentalqualityplan,assistancewithinfrastructurereceptionoperationsandsupervisionofprogress.

ThefuturehighspeedlineBretagne-PaysdelaLoire(HSLBPL)betweenLeMansandRenneswillbe182kminlength,towhichwillbeadded32kmofconnections.ItwillextendthecurrenthighspeedlinebetweenParisandLeMans,whichis180kmlongandwentintoservicein1989.

Aspartofthisproject,TUCRAILishelpingcarryoutaspecialprojectmanagement(SPM)missionforthefixedinstallationsforelectrictraction(overheadlineandpowersupplystudies).Thismissionisbeingcarriedoutincooperationwithapartner.

TUC RAIL’s two HSL projects in France


Expertise in high speed projects abroad

Saudi ArabiaTheHaramainHighSpeedRailProjectconsistsofthedesignandconstructionofa444kmdouble-trackhighspeedlinebetweenMeccaandMedinainSaudiArabia.

InMarch2009,theSaudiRailwayOrganization(SRO)awardedthecontractforthecivilengineeringwork,retainingwalls,underpasses,constructionofbridges,viaducts,tracksandearthmovingwork,etc.totheAl-RahjiAllianceconsortium.

Againstthisbackdrop,inJuneofthatyear,TUCRAILsignedatechnicalassistanceagreementwiththeLebaneseengineeringfirmKhatib&Alami,amemberoftheAl-RahjiAllianceconsortium.Thiscontractprovidesforad-hocmissionsasaconsultantandexpertonhighspeedlines.Todate,TUCRAILhasactedasconsultantandexpertforaroundfifty“WorkPackages”concerning,forexample,therevisionofthedesigncriteriaandtechnicaldocuments,andthecivilengineering.

TUCRAILalsoexecutedthepreliminarydesignandthefinaldesignforthe“MakkahFlare”viaductthatenablesthenewhighspeedlinetoenterMeccastation.

Tabuk

Sakakah

Ha’il

Buraydah

Riyadh

Abha

Mecca

Medina

Ad Damman

Jeddah

Jizan

High speed line between Mecca and Medina, via Jeddah, and Saudi Arabia


Notes

Notes


Notes

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Then go towww.tucrail.be jobs.tucrail.be

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