WHERE AUCKLAND’S
CULTURE AND FUTURE
CONNECT
The City Rail Link which will have trains passing through the new 3.45-kilometer twin tunnels, is making history as New Zealand’s first-ever underground metro line.
LOCAL REFERENCES
The new rail link will effectively double the capacity of Auckland’s rail network at peak times and is expected to deliver the equivalent of 16 additional traffic lanes per hour, or roughly three Harbour Bridges’ worth of extra capacity during peak travel times.
At the Commercial Bay shopping center, which is close to Waitematā Station, construction took place approximately six meters below the low tide mark, which is a challenge due to water pressure and potential water ingress. With New Zealand’s volcanic geology as well, hard volcanic rock is encountered when tunnelling, making excavation more challenging as depth increases.
The City Rail Link passes directly under Auckland’s city center and some of its tallest, most famous buildings. It will carry up to 54,000 passengers per hour through the city center during peak times – double the current capacity.
First Sika Challenge
Risk of water penetration due to high water pressure, with some construction six meters under the low tide mark
Second Sika Challenge
Construction in a dense urban environment, close to or under important buildings and infrastructure
Third Sika Challenge
Complex geology and tunneling through varied terrain, including volcanic rock
First Sika Solution
Sika admixtures and fiber-reinforced solutions for high-performance concrete and shotcrete in the twin tunnel lining and segments
Second Sika Solution
Proven Building Finishing solutions for the high design standards and challenging installation of extensive tile work in public-facing areas
Third Sika Solution
Reliable waterproofing system built on 100+ years of global expertise as well as customized elements manufactured in Germany
GLOBAL COLLABORATION
A highly reliable waterproofing system was critical for securing the tunnels beneath Commercial Bay, especially where highly complex detailing was required around services and safety passages. Due to the system’s proven track record in Europe, Sika was able to provide assurances built on their 100+ years global expertise, making it possible to immediately customize it in New Zealand.
With challenging installation requirements to meet both tiling standards and architectural vision, the Cairo Metro project in Egypt was a reference used by Sika New Zealand to promote Sika’s building finishing capabilities that performed successfully.
3.45 kilometer
twin tunnels
42 meters
at its deepest point
>2.6 CHF billion
investment
REVITALIZATION IN PROGRESS
The transformation around the new stations is already visible with the thoughtful integration of Māori culture and heritage throughout the project. Much of Sika’s contribution to the City Rail Link will remain unseen supporting the structures that will move thousands of people through the city each day.
It is a project that will ease the daily rush, open new connections, and breathe new energy into Auckland.
