Challenges and new approaches for the inspection of railway tunnels – Asset safety management

ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG manages 259 railway tunnels and tunnel-like structures spanning approximately 250 km, with a diverse portfolio including old natural stone-lined tunnels like the Gumpoldskirchner Tunnel (1841) and modern double-shell concrete tunnels such as the 15,990 m long Münster Tunnel. The study highlights significant challenges in inspecting these structures due to their varied construction methods, ages, geotechnical conditions, and operational stresses, particularly in high-risk zones like fault lines with anhydrite or heavy overburden. To address these complexities, ÖBB has developed innovative tools under 'Asset Safety Management' to aid structural inspectors, ensuring periodic monitoring of concrete surfaces and mitigating risks during both construction and operation phases.

Matt, R., Moritz, B., & Parapatich, T. (2024). Challenges and new approaches for the inspection of railway tunnels – Asset safety management. Geomechanics and Tunnelling, 17(5), 473–481. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/geot.202400048