Scientific and Experimental Foundation for the Design and Construction of an Intermodal Complex Integrated into Pulkovo International Airport

The paper examines the prospects for developing railway infrastructure to improve the accessibility of transport to and from Pulkovo International Airport. The creation of an electrified double-track Ligovo — Pulkovo Airport — Highway line is being discussed as a project. The integration of the airport into St. Petersburg’s suburban and urban transportation system is planned. Special attention is paid to engineering solutions, such as tunnel structures, an underground terminal, and intermodal nodes within an operating airport. Purpose: To assess the stability of the temporary support and to forecast the setting of the airport apron surface during the construction of tunnels under the existing infrastructure, taking into account the loads from wide-body aircraft such as Airbus A380-800). Methods: A set of complementary methods was used to comprehensively assess the behavior of the “apron — soil mass — support” system under various loads, including field tests, numerical modelling, physical modelling, and analytical methods. Practical significance: The foundations for the design and construction of tunnels on the airport territory have been developed. Specific engineering solutions have been found for fixing workings under the aprons with their setting of not more than 40 mm. The ADECO- RS technology for difficult hydrogeological conditions has been proven effective, and the temporary support optimal parameters have been determined (96 composite pipes + 150 mm spray concrete).