Giertsen Tunnel - Waterproof Sealing Systems for Underground Installations and Storage

Giertsen Tunnel has developed and installed systems for the complete management and mastering of water and moisture problems in tunnels and rock construction in general over many years. The basis of these systems is the WG Tunnel Sealing (WGTS) system; a special quality PVC coated polyester fabric with a high tear and tensile strength.

WATERPROOFING AND SEALING FOR MILITARY STORAGE AND INSTALLATIONS

The WG tunnel sealing system is considered suitable for military installations in underground facilities, storage of military equipment in rock caverns, for civil defence shelters, etc.

Our company offers its own, patented waterproofing solutions for rock caverns and tunnels worldwide. Giertsen Tunnel AS has worked in the field of waterproofing for over 25 years.

WATERPROOF UNDERGROUND STORAGE FOR MILITARY EQUIPMENT

Rock caverns can normally not be used for storage or other purposes before leakage water and humidity control is established. Waterproof underground storage has previously been achieved, more or less successfully, with concrete, shotcrete, corrugated steel plates, foam injection, etc.

WG TUNNEL SEALING SYSTEM

The WG tunnel sealing system is a patented system which provides permanent sealing of humid rock walls and ceilings in a cost effective and efficient manner.

The WG tunnel sealing system consists of a PVC-coated polyester fabric, suspended inside the rock cavern with a system of bolts and wire. All joints are hot air welded to a waterproof seal. Leakage water is led to a drainage system.

The PVC coated polyester fabric is specially designed to resist the chemical environment in a tunnel, and the expected lifetime of the system under these humid conditions is estimated to be a minimum of 50 years. Combined with dehumidifiers, the system provides an ideal environment for corrosion-free storage of sensitive equipment etc. for both military and civil purposes.

HUMIDITY SEALING AND CONTROL FOR STORAGE FACILITIES

The WGTS system is a complete package for humidity sealing of any rock surface in rock caverns, shafts and entrance tunnels. The system is offered completely installed or in co-operation with a local company supervised by Giertsen Tunnel (GT) specialists. It provides complete humidity control year round and energy costs which normally undercut those of alternative solutions.

The material cannot spread fire, and is approved by fire authorities for use in tunnels which require protection against ignition, spread of fire and protection against injury to persons in case of fire.

The WGTS system has a good recommendation from the Norwegian Defence Construction Service. The product has already been used on projects in: Zimbabwe, Nepal, Pakistan, Sweden, South Korea, Switzerland, Italy, Singapore, Finland, Iceland and Norway.

WG TUNNEL ARCH SYSTEM - LINING SYSTEM FOR TUNNELS

The WG Tunnel Arch (WGTA) system is a complete fire retardant lining system for water leakage, humidity protection, and frost insulation of tunnels, which is installed at the theoretical tunnel profile.

The patented system consists of steel pipe arches spaced at 1.5m to 2.0m combined with PVC-coated polyester fabric. All joints of the fabric are hot air welded to produce a guaranteed waterproof surface. Access is possible through the sidewall for safety inspections of the rock surface. The light colours of the roof and sidewalls are also easy to keep clean, making the tunnel safer for traffic.

The system is already well known in Scandinavia as the most cost efficient system for humidity and water leakage insulation in tunnels. The WGTA system, which requires no specific maintenance, has been used in more than 40 Norwegian road tunnels.