New Semmering Base Tunnel - the investigation programme 2008/2009 and the knowledge gained in the areas of geology, hydrogeology and geotechnical engineering

After the completion of the route selection process for the ÖBB New Semmering Base Tunnel rail project, a geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical investigation programme was developed for the chosen "Pfaffensattel" route and implemented in 2008/2009. The programme included drilling cores with an extensive programme of geophysical, geotechnical and hydraulic borehole investigations, geophysical measurements on the surface and laboratory testing to determine geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical parameters. The results of this investigation programme and the knowledge gained form the basis for the specialist contributions for the production of the environmental impact assessment and also the documents required for the application under the Railway Law.