As a member of the FAST consortium, Strukton contributed to constructing three of the six lines of a fully automated driverless underground system in the City of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The contract consisted of the design and construction of three lines with a total of 25 stations. Due to the high time pressures, we opted for time-saving methods, such as building in segments and prefab, for the construction of the viaducts.
Strukton’s expertise had major interfaces with the various disciplines coming together in this project. Although we were primarily responsible for the civil engineering side of things, our knowledge of railway and train systems was decisive in the contract award. As a result, we functioned as a connecting factor within the consortium.
The combination of civil expertise and knowledge of rail enabled Strukton to act as a connecting factor.
For the installation of the tracks and the construction of the underlying foundations and civil works, we used a mix of high-quality engineering techniques.
Fully underground
For the installation of the tracks and the construction of the underlying foundations and civil works, we used a mix of high-quality engineering techniques. One of the three metro lines is completely underground. Other civil works, such as tunnels and 26 metro stations are also underground, partially underground or elevated.
Due to the high time pressures, we opted for time-saving methods for the construction of the viaducts, such as building in segments, and partial and full prefab. In the last instance, we first built the full span, after which we installed it in its entirety. During the construction of the substrate for the tracks, we poured concrete using slip form pavers, a method that looks like road paving.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, is experiencing a period of turbulent population growth. Over the coming ten years, the city is expected to grow by some 2.5 million inhabitants to a total of 8.3 million inhabitants. In 2013, in response to the increased traffic volume, work was started on the construction of the world’s largest metro system in development. A network that covers 176 kilometres. Strukton, together with the FAST consortium, was awarded the tender for the construction of three driverless metro lines.
The new metro network will provide Riyadh with an integrated public transport system in the future, to which buses and park & ride facilities will also be connected. Where only 2% of the population uses public transport today, it is expected that 20% of the city’s inhabitants will use the underground once the metro is fully operational in 2021.
