References
Bolchoï Theatre
RUSSIA, 2006 - 2007
Underpinning works to refurbish the Bolshoi Theater and create a major underground part.
The Bolshoi Theatre was first built in 1825, but its contemporary version was reconstructed and extended in 1825. The refurbishment project of the Bolshoi has been elaborated under the aegis of Ministry of Culture. The project consisted of a total underpinning of the existing building and the creation of a major underground part (4 to 5 basements going about 22m below the scene level) brimming over existing construction.
Solétanche Stroy, the Solétanche Bachy Russian subsidiary, was in charge of diaphragm wall and foundation barrettes works (inside and outside of the theatre):
- A 24m deep perimeter wall that constitutes the water resistant cofferdam anchored in the clay and chalk. The major part of the external diaphragm wall has a thickness of 80cm, excepting two parts where the thickness was increased up to 120cm. This concerned the front side (small theatre) where a thick retaining wall without intermediary supports was required by the architectural project (the diaphragm wall is curved, allowing horizontal arching effect to develop) as well as the rear part where the vertical free span was reaching 12m.
- A retaining wall in front of the columns that support the pediment and the chariot, and against which the underground concert hall will be built.
- The new structures is underpinned by barrettes equipped with pre-founded steel columns.
- Inside the theatre, under the stage, a semi-circular diaphragm wall separates the amphitheatre from the technical zones, and barrettes and piles also bear the load of the new structures. For this job, the Hydrofraise “Latine” was used due to its compact design.
Techniques
A diaphragm wall is a reinforced concrete wall that is made in situ. The trench is prevented from collapsing during excavation, reinforcing and casting by the use of supporting bentonite slurry. The slurry forms a thick deposit (the cake) on the walls of the trench which balances the inward hydraulic forces and prevents water flow into the trench. A slurry made of polymers can also be used.
Ouvrages
Suitable foundations are required for all building and civil engineering structures to ensure that they perform within the settlement criteria established in the design of the structure. Special foundations are used where shallow footings do not provide adequate support for a structure.
These works are carried out to reinforce foundations that have degraded with time or have been damaged by events. Where a structure is to be subjected to higher loads or forces than it was originally designed for, underpinning of the foundations is often required as part of its upgrade.
Voyage au coeur de l'ingénierie de pointe
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