Metro Tunnel Paris
Nearly 30 Years of Successful Tunnel Waterproofing and Water Ingress Rehabilitation
Initial Situation
The Paris Metro is one of the largest and oldest underground transportation networks in Europe. Due to the age of many tunnel structures and their continuous exposure to groundwater and seepage water, regular waterproofing and rehabilitation works are required.
For nearly three decades, ARCAN waterproofing systems have been successfully used in various rehabilitation projects throughout the Paris Metro network.
In September 2014, waterproofing works were carried out on Metro Lines 4, 12, and 14. The objective was to permanently stop water ingress and rehabilitate leaking expansion joints within the affected tunnel sections.
Project Challenge
Underground structures are constantly exposed to groundwater pressure, vibration, and structural movement. Expansion joints and water-bearing areas are particularly critical and require waterproofing systems capable of providing both immediate leak control and long-term flexibility.
The challenge was to stop active water ingress while creating a durable waterproofing solution capable of accommodating future movement within the tunnel structure.
ARCAN Solution
HydroBloc Rapid 570 was used for rapid water stoppage and expansion joint rehabilitation. The material provided immediate control of active leaks while creating a flexible waterproof seal capable of accommodating movement within the joint areas.
For the long-term waterproofing phase, HydroBloc Integral 575 was injected into the affected areas. This hydrophilic injection resin was specifically selected because of its adaptive swelling properties. The material can respond to changes in cracks, joints, and water pathways, maintaining a reliable waterproof seal over the long term.
The combination of HydroBloc Rapid 570 and HydroBloc Integral 575 provided both immediate water control and a sustainable long-term waterproofing solution.
Result
Water ingress in the rehabilitated sections of Metro Lines 4, 12, and 14 was successfully stopped and permanently sealed. The expansion joints were rehabilitated and protected against future water penetration.
Thanks to the adaptive swelling properties of HydroBloc Integral 575, a flexible waterproofing system was created that can accommodate future structural movement and changing conditions within the tunnel structure.
Special Features
The Paris Metro represents one of ARCAN’s most important infrastructure references. The continuous use of ARCAN waterproofing technologies for nearly 30 years demonstrates the reliability and long-term performance of the systems under demanding underground conditions.
The rehabilitation of Metro Lines 4, 12, and 14 in 2014 is an excellent example of the ARCAN waterproofing concept: HydroBloc Rapid 570 for water stoppage and expansion joint rehabilitation combined with HydroBloc Integral 575 for adaptive long-term waterproofing.
Project Facts
- Project: Paris Metro
- Location: Paris, France
- Application: Tunnel Waterproofing and Water Ingress Remediation
- Scope: Water Stoppage, Expansion Joint Rehabilitation, and Long-Term Tunnel Waterproofing
- Products: HydroBloc Rapid 570, HydroBloc Integral 575
- Special Feature: ARCAN products have been used in rehabilitation projects throughout the Paris Metro network for almost 30 years
- Objective: Permanent sealing of water ingress and long-term protection of underground infrastructure
Materials Used on This Project
Project Photos
