Autoripage and autofoncage
Autoripage technique consists of completely clearing the ground and sliding the structure on bentonite bed using hydraulic jacks. Once the sliding is complete, backfilling takes place in order to re-open the route to traffic. Advantage: interruption of the road or rail traffic is for maximum 72 hours.
Autofoncage technique consists of partly clearing the ground and then sliding and driving the structure forwards into the infill as the excavation work progresses, using the same equipment as for the Autoripage technique. No backfilling is required as the volume of earth excavated is identical to the volume of the structure. Advantage: only partial disruption of existing traffic for up to 72 hours.