Investigation and reconstruction of a London Underground tunnel, UK

Abstract

The central section of the London Underground Jubilee line was constructed in the 1970s. Various tunnel linings were used including a novel expanded lining where the tunnels passed through locally complex soils. Structural defects became apparent some two decades later and, by 2012, it was clear a 200 m section needed reconstruction. This was complicated by the need to maintain a high-intensity passenger train service through the tunnel if possible. This paper describes the bespoke demolition and relining system that was developed, tested and deployed to renew the structure incrementally in short, overnight maintenance periods while allowing traffic during the day.