Engineering | Architecture | Planning
Menu
TKDA* provided engineering and construction administration services for tunnels and shafts that provide steam to the University of Minnesota Biomedical Discovery District and Huntington Bank Stadium. Overall, our team designed three tunnel sections and two shafts.
The 1,450-foot-long deep tunnel is arch-shaped and was constructed in sandstone, whereas the shallow tunnels were constructed in soil. The main shaft was equipped with an elevator, utility lines, and stairs, whereas the other shaft was for construction access only. The design of the main shaft included rock bolting, waterproofing, and two concrete linings. Excavation through the Platteville limestone was done using a combination of perimeter drilling and backhoe ram hammering.
*Professional services for this project were provided by CNA Consulting Engineers, which was acquired by TKDA in 2025. CNA employees continue to work at TKDA, contributing their civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering experience. Learn more about the acquisition here.
