Tunnel Blanka Prague

The Blanka Tunnel complex is the largest tunnel system in the Czech Republic, and its tunnel tubes measure over 12,000 metres. It is also one of the most significant references of the RAKO brand in the past year. The extent of this construction project is extraordinary, and it can only be compared with the construction of the first operational parts of the Prague Metro (Underground). The RAKO brand produced for the Blanka Tunnel complex special tile formats of 120 x 245 mm which helped to overcome all problems associated with differently curved walls of tunnel tubes, and more resistant RAKO SYSTEM adhesives and jointing materials. 77,000 square metres of RAKO tiles were used on walls of the tunnels, primarily thanks to virtually unlimited service life, and unbeatable easy and economical maintenance of ceramic walls. Ceramic tiles can be easily cleaned with rotating discs, without damaging the surfaces. Ceramic tiles also have excellent abrasion resistance, so besides cleaning, stones leaving the wheels of vehicles do not damage the tiles. These properties have already been proven in the Mrázovka Tunnel, which was built using a similar concept and RAKO tiles, and even in the Holland Tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey under the Hudson River, where the RAKO ceramic tiles have been reliably used for almost 90 years.
Colours for better orientation
Every section of the Blanka Tunnel is distinguished by the colour of ceramic tiles. The tunnel has a distinctive colour of the middle lane, which tells which tunnel sections are passed through by drivers. The longest, more than three-kilometre long Bubeneč tunnel, which also runs under the Vltava River, symbolises the blue colour of water, while drivers passing through the one kilometre-long Dejvice Tunnel, leading figuratively under the Prague Castle and the St. Vitus Cathedral, use the purple lane. These three tunnels are complemented by the nearly 1.5-kilometre long Brusnice Tunnel, using the brilliant narcissus yellow colour. Colourful lanes are surrounded by delicate beige tones, lightening towards the centre. They do not distract the driver's attention, and increase safety. The colour design of ceramic tiles met the architect´s demands for easy distinctiveness of individual shades in reddish illumination of sodium lamps used in these tunnels. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, colour differentiation helps to guide you in the event of any accident, or other emergency situation occurred in the tunnel. According to the colour of the leading lane, crisis line operators are able to easily determine where the caller is located.
Tailor-made adhesives to the Blanka Tunnel complex
In addition to special ceramic products, Lasselsberger developed a special, high flexible cement adhesive AD 530 with a high adhesion at the level of 1.6 MPa for the Blanka Tunnel, also suppressing the appearance of efflorescence. This is improved, deformable cement adhesive with the extended open time and reduced slip. This product has been so favoured by companies that it has become an integral part of the RAKO SYSTEM range.