How are complex infrastructure projects planned and implemented under challenging geological conditions? Students explored this question alongside colleagues from ELEA iC during a field trip to the second Divača–Koper railway line in Slovenia. On site, they gained first-hand insight into the construction process and were able to experience technical solutions in the very places where they are being developed.
Practical experience meets engineering design
For the students, the visit provided an opportunity to link the planning documents they had been working on in the office with the reality on the building site. The field trip highlighted how modern engineering, digital planning methods and close collaboration between different disciplines help to ensure the successful completion of complex construction projects.
A milestone in the Beka Tunnel
One highlight was the tour of the recently completed final karst crossing in the Beka Tunnel (T2). The structure consists of a 45-metre-long underground arch bridge spanning a karst cave discovered during construction work. It is the largest of a total of four arch structures on this section of the line and is one of the most technically challenging structures in the project.
Tailor-made solutions in the karst
Construction in the karst landscape presented the project team with extraordinary geological challenges. As conventional construction methods could not be used here, ELEA iC, in collaboration with the iC Network, developed a bespoke engineering solution that provides a safe and long-term stable foundation for future rail operations.
Digital planning: the key to project success
ELEA iC led the engineering work and, together with the iC network, contributed extensive expertise in the fields of tunnelling, geotechnical engineering and BIM-based project management to the project.
The entire second track between Divača and Koper was designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM). A total of 614 BIM models were used, enabling coordinated 3D, 4D and 5D planning as well as schedule and cost management. Digital project management facilitated collaboration across all disciplines and played a key role in the successful delivery of this geologically challenging infrastructure project.
