Proud to have helped Engie complete a further network extension of project Thassalia in Marseille last week, to supply both heat and cooling to city buildings through marine geothermal energy.
But just a few months ago, the question of how to cross the tramway on boulevard des Dames in the heart of the city risked derailing the project. OPTIMUM engineers were contacted and, after conducting detailed geotechnical analysis and a 3D modelling of the underground networks, proposed modifying both the crossing path and the trenchless technique. The resulting design proposal, using a large diameter traditional hand boring technique to install the 4 insulated pipes (2 x DN350 and 2 x DN300) in a DN1600 concrete microtunnel, enabled the project to move ahead.
Having an in-depth understanding of the project and having designed the crossing, OPTIMUM then monitored the onsite works every day throughout construction in this highly congested underground environment. Despite the extremely varied and complex geology as well as a multitude of other networks, the crossing was completed without impacting on any of the existing structures.
Congratulations to everyone involved for their dedication.
