In the coming years, project staff involved in the partnership between Strukton and Van Oord will be busy constructing the intersection of the new metro line with Amsterdam’s busy Central Station. The challenge involved is considerable, as Central Station will remain operational throughout the construction activities.
During this period, a circular cofferdam will be constructed in the railway station’s central tunnel, involving the insertion of large steel tubes with a 1.80-metre diameter 65 metres into the ground in the station’s weaving section. What is referred to as a ‘sandwich structure’ will be constructed from the main hall of the station. Prior to this operation, the foundation of the large corner towers of the station building will be replaced by steel piles, with a jack structure ensuring they remain in place. As soon as the circular cofferdam is completed, a tunnel unit will be transported from the river IJ by water and immersed beneath the station.
While this construction is in progress, a metro station will be constructed deep below the forecourt of the railway station. The first step in this process will be the construction of a circular cofferdam with the aid of a diaphragm wall on top of which a roof structure will be placed. The remainder of the construction and excavation activities will be performed under this roof, thereby keeping inconvenience to passengers to a minimum.
At the back of the station, the metro line intersects with De Ruijterkade, where the concrete structure for this intersection and part of the road tunnel are being
constructed in an open circular cofferdam
Client: The City of Amsterdam; Department of Infrastructure, Traffic and Transport; North/South Line Project Management Office