Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) has provided an advanced structural monitoring solution to support safe construction of Sweden’s West Link project (Västlänken)
The solution will be used during the rail infrastructure project to create an 8km underground rail connection beneath central Gothenburg, including over 6km of tunnels and three new underground stations.
Working with Trafikverket, the Swedish Transport Administration, and engineering consultancy COWI, HBK’s technology will provide real-time structural insight at one of the project’s most demanding construction sites, Korsvägen Station.
Deep construction below a densely populated urban environment presents significant engineering challenges. At Korsvägen, excavation required careful management of load transfer between highly stressed bedrock and newly installed reinforced concrete support structures, while maintaining safety, reducing disruption, and ensuring construction progress.
To support these objectives, HBK deployed an integrated monitoring system combining fibre-optic sensing, multi-parameter instrumentation, and automated data acquisition. The solution measures structural behaviour during excavation and converts complex data into decision-ready information, enabling engineers to understand load transfer, verify structural performance, and identify deviations at an early stage.
COWI developed, in collaboration with HBK, a fully automated engineering analysis system that can transform monitoring data into actionable engineering intelligence. Automated analysis accounts for temperature effects, shrinkage and creep, enabling teams to focus on the structural responses that matter most during critical excavation activities.
Dorin Lungu, site manager, for Concrete Works on the Trafikverket project, said, “We highly value the ability to monitor concrete columns with high-strength concrete class, using strain sensors, temperature sensors, and humidity sensors. The sensors are used to monitor the concrete columns during the construction phase and mainly after, with an expected active lifespan of 120 years. Throughout this process, HBK’s team provided fast technical support, visiting sites and conducting inspections as needed.”
Mats Rydén, business development manager at HBK, said, “Major infrastructure projects require confidence in every decision made underground. At Korsvägen, we’re helping project teams move beyond data collection to engineering intelligence, providing the right solution needed to manage risk, maintain progress and verify structural performance in one of Sweden’s most complex urban construction environments.”
The system supports safe and efficient excavation with continuous visibility into structural behaviour throughout construction. Through fibre-optic sensing, redundant instrumentation, and automated engineering interpretation, project stakeholders can make informed decisions quickly and with greater confidence.
Instrumentation embedded in the framework will continue to support long-term structural health monitoring once the station enters operation, creating ongoing value for asset owners beyond project completion.
To learn more, visit: Building Below the city Monitoring the west link at Korsvägen
