Project Overview
Västlänken is an approximately 8-kilometre double-track railway link being constructed beneath the centre of Gothenburg. One of its major sections, E05 Korsvägen, includes a 3.2-kilometre railway tunnel and a new underground station.
Korsvägen is one of Gothenburg’s busiest transport hubs, located near attractions such as Liseberg, Universeum, and the World of Volvo (or Museum of World Culture, depending on project timing). Throughout construction, the area had to remain fully operational, with road traffic, public transport, and underground utilities functioning without interruption.
An additional engineering challenge was the crossing beneath the Mölndalsån River. To preserve the river’s flow and ecological function during excavation, a temporary aqueduct was required.
Solution and Approach
During the tender phase, MH Poly worked closely with contractor Züblin to develop an alternative concept for the temporary aqueduct.
The design enabled the project team to:
- Maintain uninterrupted river flow
- Safely construct the railway tunnel beneath the river
- Keep the excavation pit completely watertight
A key element of the solution was an innovative sealing system between the temporary aqueduct and the excavation pit.
Technical Design
MH Poly was responsible for both the preliminary and detailed design of the abutment structure, the structural connection between the aqueduct and the tubular pile excavation wall.
The abutment was designed to be installed directly onto the tubular piles, providing a stable support for the temporary aqueduct.
Water tightness and structural load transfer were achieved through a combination of:
- Two independently functioning rubber sealing systems
- A specially designed UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) bearing block
- A unique geometric configuration developed in collaboration with Trelleborg, allowing the system to accommodate deformation of the tubular pile wall
This solution safely transfers both vertical and horizontal loads, even during complex construction phases involving structural movement and deformation.
Project Scope
MH Poly was responsible for:
- Design of the abutment structure
- Design of the rubber seals and UHMWPE bearing block (in collaboration with Trelleborg)
- Design of the steel structure and pin connection
- Construction sequencing and temporary works design
- Design of the guidance system
- Structural calculations
- 3D modelling
- Preparation of technical drawings
Result
The innovative waterproof construction enabled the safe and efficient construction of the railway tunnel beneath the Mölndalsån River without disrupting either the river itself or the surrounding urban environment.
The design combines hydraulic engineering expertise, structural innovation, and practical constructability to deliver a robust solution under highly complex site conditions.
