CERN LHC Construction Scope

Implenia was contracted for the CERN LHC Particle Accelerator project in Geneva. The project aimed at constructing various essential parts of CERN's LHC particle accelerator, which is a prominent facility for physics research. The scope of work included the construction of superstructures, shaft constructions, and caverns.

Details of Superstructure Work

Specifically, the superstructure work consisted of five concrete buildings, two plant ducts, and a concrete and steel workshop measuring 84 meters in length, 24 meters in width, and 18 meters in height. The shaft construction involved digging three shafts with varying dimensions and depths, and the caverns included two large chambers with notable dimensions.

Excavation and Rock Support Methods

The excavation was executed using hydraulic excavation hammers and reprofiling with cutterheads, strictly avoiding blasting. Rock support was ensured using anchors and wet shotcrete reinforced with steel fibers. This construction is pivotal for enabling CERN researchers to delve deeper into the fundamental particles of the universe.

Project Collaboration and Timeline

The project was a collaborative effort under ARGE, including Implenia Schweiz AG, Porr-Asdag Tunnelbau GmbH, C. Baresel AG, Wayss & Freytag AG, and Bec-Perforex. The project spanned from January 1998 to December 2002, with a total construction volume of 106 million CHF, converted into various currencies.

Significant Physics Advancements

The LHC construction is expected to bring significant advancements in particle physics, potentially leading to the discovery of new atoms and smaller subatomic particles. This monumental project has been completed successfully, contributing to the global scientific community.