Construction

Where will CLIC be built?

It is presently assumed that CLIC will be built underground, near to CERN in the area close to Geneva. However, the CLIC design could also be implemented elsewhere.

What length will the CLIC tunnel be?

The length of the accelerator complex varies according to the centre-of-mass energies:

• Stage 1 (350-380 GeV): 11 km
• Stage 2 (1.5 TeV): 29 km
• Stage 3 (3 TeV): 50 km

What diameter will the CLIC tunnel be?

The inner diameter of the CLIC tunnel is planned to be 5.6 m. This allows for a two-beam module to be moved past a module which is already installed in the tunnel, to aid installation and maintenance. This diameter is bigger than most one-way underground subway system tunnels (London Underground tunnels are ~3.5 m diameter) but smaller than each Channel Tunnel tunnel (7.6 m diameter). The LHC tunnel has an inner diameter of 3.8 m.

How long will it take to build CLIC?

To build Stage 1 is estimated to take 7 years. This includes three years to excavate the tunnel and shafts, two years to survey and install pipes, electricity etc., one year to install the accelerator and one year to commission the complex. To build Stage 2 is estimated to take a further 5 years. This can happen while the accelerator is running at Stage 1. The LHC took approximately 6 years to install, counting between the end of dismantling LEP (2002) and the first LHC beams (2008).