Palac Tesnov - VINCI Construction Grands Projets

BACKGROUND

In 2002, Prague experienced severe flooding. Karlin was the most adversely affected district in the city. Consequently, this project is also an effort to rebuild and revitalize this area.
With a growth rate of 4.4%, and even 5.5% in the construction and public works sector, in 2005, the Czech Republic was booming; it called on VINCI Construction Grands Projets to develop a strong functional building complex.
This level of trust is due to VINCI’s demonstrated expertise and collaborative endeavours in the Czech capital over the past fifteen years.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

Just a few metres below Palac Tesnov is Prague’s metro system.
Two monotube tunnels run under the building, for nearly 90 metres. One of the main challenges, therefore, of this project was to prevent placing any loads onto the tunnels. To achieve this goal, a “bridging” operation was required using 118 piles that were lowered to a depth of a dozen metres along with a transfer slab 1.2 metres thick. In addition, a compressible layer under the slab was also needed to ensure no load would rest on the metro vaults.
Since this project was carried out in an urban setting with many buildings in close proximity, numerous underpinning operations were required.

« To attenuate vibrations from the metro system located just a few metres below ground, acoustical studies were carried out and neoprene pedestals were installed in the flooring of the building’s ground floor. »
Nicolas Balanant, acoustic engineer.

IMPACT

Since the flood of 2002, the district is undergoing reconstruction. This project is part of efforts to revitalize the city.
Thanks to improvement efforts, the district is beginning to attract people and businesses.
Its proximity to the city centre makes this district a future major hub in Prague.
Accordingly, this new building contributes to a broader urban-planning and development endeavour in the city of Prague.