New tunnel connection for Mexico

A major tunnel construction project has been carried out in Mexico, setting a technological precedent for Latin America . Mexican materials giant CEMEX took part in the construction of the Coatzacoalcos Underwater Tunnel in Veracruz, Mexico. This innovative project features large tunnel bores and utilised a complex construction process. As a result of these technical challenges CEMEX was required to design and deliver special concretes so as to allow the construction of the different structures needed to
November 8, 2017 Read time: 3 mins
The new tunnel sets a precedent for Latin America

A major tunnel construction project has been carried out in Mexico, setting a technological precedent for Latin America

Mexican materials giant 3016 CEMEX took part in the construction of the Coatzacoalcos Underwater Tunnel in Veracruz, Mexico. This innovative project features large tunnel bores and utilised a complex construction process. As a result of these technical challenges CEMEX was required to design and deliver special concretes so as to allow the construction of the different structures needed to provide the tunnel and profile as well as for the portals.

Because the route of the tunnel runs under water the company managing the project, Constructora Túnel de Coatzacoalcos, asked CEMEX to deliver specific concrete solutions for the different structural elements and the agents to which they would be exposed. “Through its quality department, CEMEX worked with us to design the concrete mix used in the tunnel to meet the durability requirements specified by the needs of this project and international standards,” explained Darwin Hernandez, technical manager for the construction project.

CEMEX supplied 48,000m3 of special products, from concrete for the different structural elements to the design and placement of concrete pavement inside the tunnel and the toll area. CEMEX supplied concrete in separate massive pouring of 600m3 and 800m3 for the slabs of the access ramps to the tunnel.

“CEMEX offered its know-how and ability to solve construction challenges. Additionally, it followed up very closely with both the needs prior to the design of the project and the concrete formulations to proceed with the castings,” added Jose Armengol Notario, production superintendent of Producción de Constructora Túnel de Coatzacoalcos.

The chosen construction method was developed in the Netherlands and was selected as it provided the least impact on urban areas. The technique utilised large prefabricated reinforced concrete modules that were produced in a dry dock and then transported to the site for installation under water. For this project, five concrete blocks were built in a dry dock on the banks of the Coatzacoalcos River and later transferred and placed at the bottom of the river.

The tunnel features four traffic lanes in all, with two in each direction, and is expected to ease traffic congestion between the Coatzacoalcos urban area and the petrochemical industrial area of Villa Allende. Its effect on congestion is expected to be significant, reducing commuting times from 30 minutes to just three minutes.

Road Structures

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Switzerland’s new tunnel bore being built
    April 19, 2018
    A major new road tunnel project is being constructed in Switzerland – Mike Woof writes Construction work is now underway in Switzerland for the new Belchen Tunnel bore, a project that has resulted from the country’s long-term infrastructure planning. The building of this latest tunnel is important for Switzerland economically as it will deliver an upgraded link for a major transport infrastructure connection. When it is complete, the tunnel will form part of the vital A2 route between Basel, in the north
    Read More
  • Winning formula for formwork
    July 19, 2012
    An unusual application of formwork took place recently in France, while formwork using one particular engineering construction kit was used for the first time in Poland. Guy Woodford reports An 80m long wild game underpass is an innovative feature of the Route Nationale 88 (RN 88) expansion in south-west France. For construction of the arched underpass tunnel, a PERI tunnel formwork carriage using VARIOKIT engineering construction kit was used. Thanks to the equipment’s easy handling, along with pre-assembl
    Read More
  • New bridge is spanning China’s Yangtze River
    June 28, 2013
    There is massive development in design and construction of bridges in China and the Yingwuzhou Bridge over the Yangtze River is one key project – Mike Woof reports, with assistance from Route One’s Chinese publishing partner *CMTM Called the Mother River, the Yangtze is a focal point for China politically, economically and culturally. The river has been at the heart of China’s development for millennia, its history stretching back as far as the dawn of human civilisation. The name Yangtze, or Yangzi, is its
    Read More
  • Bridge design using flow modelling techniques
    February 17, 2012
    SBG has set numerous engineering precedents with its hugely innovative Jamarat Bridge project in Saudi Arabia
    Read More

Highlighted Content