Proud to have accompanied RTE for the grid connection of a major new data centre southeast Paris, which was successfully completed this week. Parallel HDPE duct bundles (3 x DN225, 1 x DN110, 2 x DN75) now pass under the busy A6 motorway, access ramp and adjoining roads through 8 HDD crossings (2 x 262ml, 2 x 217ml, 2 x 183ml and 2 x 90ml) to link the data centre to RTE’s substation.
OPTIMUM has worked on the project since its conception, from initial feasibility studies, drill path design, project engineering and contractor selection, through to supervision of all 8 HDD. Crossing the A6 presented particular constraints as the motorway lies 9 metres below the surrounding land. To ensure pipe stability and road safety over time, engineers designed a drill path dropping down to 21 metres below ground level to pass underneath it.
Given the clayey nature of the site and its inherent clogging / swelling characteristics, drilling and fluid parameters were closely monitored. OPTIMUM’s perfect understanding of the project history and geotechnical constraints allowed decisions to be taken quickly, minimizing risks and optimising operations.
Great teamwork with RTE, BIR, throughout the project ; mission accomplished.
