Innovative solutions for intersection of TBM tunnel and station in Riyadh Line 5 metro

One of the main problems when constructing a metro line using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) is the coordination of the construction of the tunnel with the excavation of the stations that it will intersect, being possible to reach the stations before their complete excavation. This paper presents a solution to this problem, one which has been implemented in the Riyadh Metro L5. This solution allows the construction of the tunnel and the later excavation of the station, while maintaining the operation of the TBM and the tunnel lining.