Publications
A new methodology to evaluate the competitiveness of rail freight intermodal transport taking into account external costs
New rail infrastructure projects, including base tunnels and lines, significantly boost rail freight competitiveness over road transport, leading to substantial CO₂ emission reductions. A novel methodology—combining a detailed rail cost function, multi-regional demand modeling, time-series forecasting, and mixed logit modal choice analysis—reveals that while the Gotthard line remains dominant among Alpine passes, Brenner and Fréjus lines see marked flow increases under 'project' and 'future' scenarios. This shift underscores rail's potential to mitigate environmental costs in freight logistics.
Lessons learned of innovative drilling- and grouting solutions for tunneling under high water pressure
Innovative drilling and grouting techniques have successfully enabled the construction of the Semmering Base Tunnel, a critical component of Austria's high-speed railway network navigating the Alps' challenging terrain. This 2,500-meter tunnel, part of the European High-Speed Railway Network (TEN), required specialized methods to manage pressurized groundwater bodies with significant storage capacity. Over five years, more than 5 million liters of grout were used to stabilize the tunnel's path beneath valleys and mountain ridges. The study highlights key lessons from these grouting works, offering valuable insights for future tunneling projects under high water pressure.
Alpine Landschaft per Bahn. Die Bergmenschen bei Peter Rosegger und Heimito von Doderer
The Semmering Railway, the world's first high mountain railway, revolutionized access to the Alps for urban society during industrialization. This study reveals that while it brought tourists closer to the mountains, locals likely always viewed them as urban intruders. Analysis of texts by Peter Rosegger and Heimito von Doderer shows Rosegger's critical stance on tourist development and his emphasis on observing nature from the train, contrasting with Doderer's depiction of travelers' fascination with the Alpine landscape. The research explores how these writers captured the changing relationship between people and the mountains, highlighting the railway's dual role in both connecting and alienating urban visitors from their surroundings.
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.
Tunneling in Alpine Fault Zones – Case Study Semmering Base Tunnel
Tunneling through Alpine fault zones, characterized by high in-situ stress and potential for substantial ground deformations, requires innovative excavation and support strategies. A novel yielding element, the HS-EPS, made of lightweight high-strength expanded polystyrene, has been successfully implemented to address these challenges at the Semmering Base Tunnel in Austria. This modular system allows for on-site adaptation to deformation patterns and changing ground conditions, offering a cost-efficient alternative with higher support resistance than traditional steel sets. The study highlights that radial deformations due to rock pressure are effectively transformed into tangential closure of the ductile lining, ensuring controlled deformations without overstressing the shotcrete during its early curing phase.
Drilling and Grouting Works for Pressurised Groundwater Conditions of the Semmering Base Tunnel
The Semmering Base Tunnel (SBT), a critical component of the Baltic-Adriatic Railway Network, successfully addressed complex hydrogeological challenges through innovative drilling and grouting techniques. The study highlights the effective implementation of a Standpipe-Packer system, a cased drilling system with grouting inserts, and a combined cement-polyurethane grout mix (Hybrid Grout) to stabilize the grout under high groundwater pressure conditions. These innovations significantly improved construction processes in areas with pressurized groundwater, including karst-prone limestone and dolomite formations with initial water pressures of up to 25 bar. The research demonstrates how these advanced methods can mitigate risks associated with flowing ground conditions and intense fracturing in transition zones, providing a robust solution for similar geological settings.
Geophysical Characterization of Karstified Zones During Tunnel Construction: A Case Study From The Semmering Base Tunnel
A geophysical survey successfully identified a karstified zone during the construction of the 27.3 km long Semmering Base Railway Tunnel (Austria), mitigating risks and reducing the need for exploratory drillings. The study employed gravimetric and seismic methods to investigate potential cavities in a geologically complex area with carbonates, anhydrite, and mica schist. Innovative processing techniques enabled precise interpretation of subsurface features, which were later confirmed by targeted drilling. This approach demonstrates the effectiveness of geophysical methods in optimizing tunnel construction while addressing logistical challenges.
MDB – Leistungsfähiges, flexibles und betriebsorientiertes Drainagespülen in Eisenbahntunneln
A novel, partially remote-controlled and automated long-distance flushing system (MDR) has been developed to enhance tunnel drainage maintenance for the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB Infrastruktur AG). This system, designed for use in the Granitztal Tunnel, Koralm Tunnel, and Semmering Base Tunnel along the Southern Railway Line, enables efficient cleaning of drainages over a 500-meter length without interrupting railway traffic. The MDR flushing box, transport module, and permanently installed components work together to ensure operational flexibility and effectiveness. By positioning the system on central flushing shafts in crossway areas, maintenance can be performed during breaks in operations, minimizing track closures. This innovation significantly improves the efficiency and safety of tunnel maintenance while maintaining operational continuity.
„Hier ward der Sieg errungen über einen mächtigen, compacten Alpenzug“. Der Semmering in Reiseführern zwischen 1852 und 1873
Travel guides from the period of Semmering Railway construction (1852–1873) reveal a striking shift in landscape perception, celebrating humanity's triumph over nature rather than lamenting its destruction. The study analyzed seven key sources using qualitative content analysis, uncovering three distinct levels of description: poetic admiration for the railway's magnitude, critical reflections on altered landscapes, and progress narratives tracking construction milestones. This approach demonstrates how travel guides both documented and shaped public perception of industrial transformation in the Alps, offering a nuanced view of 19th-century landscape change.
„Tu dokonało się zwycięstwo nad potężnym, zwartym łańcuchem Alp”. Semmering w przewodnikach między 1852 a 1873 rokiem
Travel guides from the mid-19th century reveal a striking shift in perception of the Semmering region, Austria, following the construction of the world's first high mountain railway. Initially depicted as a pristine Alpine landscape, the area was later celebrated for its transformation by human ingenuity and technology, reflecting a triumph over nature rather than lamentation for its destruction. The analysis of seven key travel guides—ranging from accounts during construction to those post-completion—shows how the Semmering Railway's progress was documented with poetic grandeur, highlighting both the project's magnificence and the evolving cultural significance of the region as it transitioned into a summer resort destination.
Long‐term monitoring of railway tunnels
Long-term monitoring of railway tunnels reveals critical insights into the structural behavior and longevity of geotechnical systems, particularly in challenging Alpine conditions. The study demonstrates that robust, reliable monitoring can detect unfavorable system behaviors early, enabling predictive maintenance to ensure tunnel availability over their 150-year service life. Researchers implemented long-term monitoring at the Koralm Tunnel and Granitztal Tunnel projects, focusing on ground-support interaction and fault zone characteristics under varying stress conditions. This approach allows for proactive measures to mitigate potential issues, ensuring high operational reliability. The findings highlight the importance of continuous observation even after tunnel completion, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects like the Semmering Base Tunnel.
The perception of the Semmering landscape between 1850 and 1880
A significant shift in the perception of the Semmering landscape occurred between 1850 and 1880, coinciding with the construction of railways from Vienna to southern Austria. This transformation was driven by the railway's integration into the region, altering both its physical and cultural significance. The study analyzed contemporary travelogues, official documents, and visual representations to reconstruct how the landscape was experienced and interpreted during this period. Findings reveal that the Semmering Railway not only facilitated mobility but also reshaped aesthetic and symbolic associations with the area, marking a pivotal moment in its historical narrative.
Carl Ritter von Ghega – 2018 Surveyor of the Year
Carl Ritter von Ghega, an Austrian engineer of Albanian descent born in Venice, was honored as the 2018 Surveyor of the Year for his groundbreaking contributions to geodesy and engineering. His most notable achievement, the Semmering Railway—a project deemed impossible at the time—was later recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1998. This paper examines von Ghega's professional trajectory, educational background, and significant works, including the Borovnica Viaduct in Slovenia. Through historical analysis and technical documentation, it highlights his enduring impact on the engineering profession, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in railway and structural innovation.
The railway station Mürzzuschlag in relation to the Semmering Base Tunnel
The Semmering Base Tunnel (SBT), set to open by 2026/27, will transform the Baltic-Adriatic railway axis from a mountain route to a flat trajectory, significantly enhancing its efficiency. This transformation will elevate the strategic importance of Mürzzuschlag station in Austria, serving as a critical hub for both passenger and freight traffic. The SBT is projected to reduce travel time for long-distance passengers by approximately 30 minutes due to improved connections with Vienna's metropolitan area. Additionally, rail freight traffic will benefit from the elimination of mountain crossings. Infrastructure upgrades at Mürzzuschlag station, including expanded park & ride facilities, better public transport links, and renovations to existing buildings, are expected to have lasting positive impacts on its functionality and accessibility.
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