Vault & Construction | Munich Subway Stations

Munich Subway's construction begun in 1965, and the first trains ran in 1971, five years ahead of Washington DC. Given the geological and groundwater conditions, as well as cost consideration, there are five principal construction processes used in Munich subway stations.

1) Open-Cast Construction
- just below grade
- building pit is beveled or secured by walls
- requires large construction areas
- more flexibility in design


Open construction, Subway Architecture in Munich, p.33

2) Bored-Pile and Cover-Slab Construction
- bored-pile wall
- generates column-free space
- reduce surface interruption


Bored-Pile and Cover-Slab construction, Subway Architecture in Munich, p.33

3) Bored-Pile and Cover-Slab Construction with Inner Shell
- when the station is under groundwater level
- additional impermeable inner concrete shell is built

4) Diaphragm Wall and Cover-Slab Construction
- when the station is fully under groundwater level
- excavation after diaphragm wall and cover-slab are constructed
- multi-story basement structure
- structure grows form top downwards


Diaphragm Wall and Cover-Slab construction, Subway Architecture in Munich, p.37

5) Mine Tunneling Construction
- extremely deep situation
- use of shotcrete, but cracks and leakages are not avoidable


Mine Tunneling construction, Subway Architecture in Munich, p.39