Microtunnel

1293 Gasducto
Tamazunchale - El Sauz
Ixmiquilpan (Mexico)
Microtunneling at KP 94 Gasoducto
Tamazunchale - El Sauz microtunel DI1800 -
Ixmiquilpan (Mexico)

Customer
Transcanada

Execution period
April 2013 - December 2013

Work value
6.920.680,00

Technical data
No. Microtunnel Machine Lenght ID OD Straight drive/slope
1 Ixmiquilpan AVN1800D 672 m 1800 mm 2120 mm 672 m / +8.5 %


Jobsite overview Jacking shaft (1773m asl)



The Tamazunchale pipeline is a 130 km (81 mi) pipelines in east Central Mexico that connects facilities of Mexicos
state-owned petroleum company to natural gas power generation plants near Tamazunchale, Mexico.
For the pipeline installation in the section included in KP 90 and KP 97+500, where unstable soil conditions have been
identified, an alternative solution to open trench has been selected. The solution is the construction of a microtunnel with
the installation of reinforced concrete pipe ID1800mm, total length approx. 670m.

After the construction of the microtunnel and the pipeline pull in, the space between the pipeline and the concrete pipe
had been filled with a cement bentonite mixture.





























Jacking shaft area

The drives passes a mountain with related problems regarding the inert level (up to 150 meters) and geostatic pressure
with consequences on the slurry treatment management, lubrication effectiveness and jacking pressure. The Bauer
slurry treatment plant linked to the filter press unit provided the required capacity to manage the huge excavated soil
production, even though the unforeseen basalt layers found during tunnelling operations.

Operating in a very rough mountainous area, quite distant from urban centres, represented on of the greatest challenge
for I.Co.P S.p.A. The major suppliers were in the areas of Queretaro and Pachuca (respectively distant about 150 and
120 km from Ixmiquilpan).


















Arrival of TBM (1827 asl) TBM breakthrough



Microtunnel
1262 - Muharraq Bahrain
Micro Tunnelling work (D1800mm) for the
Muharraq Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and
Sewer Conveyance System (SCS) Project
Deep Gravity Sewer (DGS) in Muharraq, Bahrain.

Customer
SAMSUNG ENGINEERING CO. LTD. (SECL)

Execution period
Completed

Work value (Original) Total Length
10.178.774,70 5,544.08 m

Work value (Additional) Total Length
2,045,746.81 1,134.79 m
Technical data (Original Scope of Works)
No. Microtunnel Machine Length ID OD Straight drive/slope
Curve
Section
Curve radius/slope
1* SH #21 SH #22 AVN1800TB 955.10 m 1800 mm 2200 mm 250 m / - 0.1% 705.10 m 550 m Hor. Sx2 / -0.1 %
2 SH #21 SH #20 AVN1800TB 586.92 m 1800 mm 2200 mm 210 m / +0.1% 476.92 m 520 m Hor. / +0.1 %
3* SH #47 TLS AVN1800TB 891.25 m 1800mm 2200mm 891.25 m / -0.1%
4 SH #47 SH #46 AVN1800TB 473.55 m 1800mm 2200mm 473.55 m / +0.1%
5 SH #29 SH #28 AVN1800D 656.91 m 1800 mm 2200 mm 281 m / +0.1% 374.91 m 660 m Hor. / +0.1 %
6 SH #29 SH #29B AVN1800D 244.58 m 1800mm 2200mm 244.58 m / -0.1%
7 SH #43 SH #42 AVN1800D 344.10 m 1800mm 2200mm 344.10 m / +0.1%
8 SH #43 SH #44 AVN1800D 328.75 m 1800mm 2200mm 328.75 m / -0.1%
9 SH #45 SH #44 AVN1800D 319.64 m 1800mm 2200mm 319.64 m / +0.1%
10 SH #45 SH #46 AVN1800D 323.28 m 1800mm 2200mm 323.28 m / -0.1%
11 SH #37A SH #38 AVN1800D 420.00 m 1800mm 2200mm 420.00 m / -0.1%

1* - Longest Multiple Curvature Microtunnelling Drive in Middle East (3 sets of continuous S-Curves)
3* - Longest Sea Crossing Microtunnelling DN1800 Drive in the Middle East

Technical data (Additional Works)
No. Microtunnel Machine Length ID OD Straight drive/slope
Curve
Section
Curve radius/slope
12 SH #34 SH #35 AVN1800D 317.73 m 1800 mm 2200 mm 40 m / +0.1% 277.73 m 2000 m Hor. / +0.1 %
13* SH #12A SH #11 AVN1500TC 483.06 m 1800 mm 2200 mm 318 m / +0.1% 165.06 m 400 m Hor. / +0.1 %
14* SH #10 SH #11(2) AVN1800D 334.00 m 1800mm 2200mm 85 m / -0.1% 249.00m 500m Hoz. Sx1 / -0.1%
13* - Takeover TBM equipment from other tunnelling contractor
14* - Alternative drive due to other tunnelling contractor failed to complete the planned DN1400 drive. Tunneling pass (max clearance 7m) abandoned
237m DN1400 pipeline and a AVN1400TC Machine.



















Automatic Spoil Handling System (Bauer BE-500) Shaft Setup with Heat Process System (Cooling System )

With the exceptional growth of population and strategic plans and 2030 Vision to provide capacity to meet the needs of
existing and future development in Muharraq Governorate, a BOOT Sewerage Treatment Plant and Conveyance system
project was built in Kingdom of Bahrain. The project set out and covers the area of Muharraq, HIDD and Arad, consist of
two parts, civil construction of the STP plant, and the other parts, sewer conveyance system. The Sewer conveyance
system are constructed in two major section, main collection tunnel Deep Gravity Sewer (DGS) and lateral connection
to replace two major sewage pumping stations and 22 minor ones across the coverage area Waste water collection
network (WWCN). The WWCN pipeline collects the sewerage and directs it towards the DGS pipeline. The DGS conveys
the sewerage through a gravity tunnel to the treatment plan through an intermediate lifting station (ILS). Concerning the
environmental effects, disturbance to the population and neighbourhood and impact on the UNESCO Heritage Site (Fort
Arad), the DGS route consist of 15.9 km of pipeline of DN1000, DN1400 & DN1800 was executed by Micro-tunnelling
method. Whereas the WWCN route consist of 4.1km of DN300 to DN800 pipeline constructed mainly with trenchless
technology. The success of the project contributed the reduction of energy use, reduced risk of odour, traffic disruption
during maintenance, sewers backing up and associated sewage flooding. The sewage undergoes treatment process to
produce Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) suitable for re-use in industrial application, irrigation or landscaping.

47 nos. of shafts are constructed with Secant Pilling method to provide a watertight pit for the micro tunnelling activities.
Upon completion of the pipeline installation works, the shafts are then converted to permanent manholes. Trenchless
installation methods have less impact on the environment and the existing infrastructure than other methods applying
open cut trenching. I.CO.P. had undertaken 5.5 km of the DN1800 pipeline. Two sets of Herrenknecht AVN1800 were
utilized to tunnel the GRP Encased RC J acking Pipe. The major challenges encountered during the execution of the
works are the existing ground conditions (Layered of Anisotropic sequence of rock), high ground water table with
influents of sea tidal, long and multiple curvature drives, historical and protected areas and tight construction tolerances.

I.CO.P claims two major milestone records on the project by executing the longest DN1800 Sea Crossing (892m) and
longest DN1800 Longest Multi Curvature Micro tunnelling Drive (955.10m with 2 sets of S-curves). Both records are not
only valid in the Kingdom of Bahrain but throughout the Middle East Region.

MICROTUNNEL no. 1 (Longest Multi Curvature Micro tunnelling Drive in the Middle East)
During the project commencement and design phase, I.CO.P, EPC Contractor and the design consultant had been
closely working on the tunnelling route, material optimization and value engineering to optimize the feasibility to construct
the DGS pipeline considering the challenges and actual conditions on site. The table below compares the status of the
pipe route/criteria based on the original pre engineering stage and post value engineering stage.





























Pre Engineering/Tender Pipeline Route along Fort Arad area (PS B2 to PS B3)



Microtunnel


Technical data of the pre and post value engineering stage (Fort Arad Section PS B2 to PS B3)
Stage
Pipe DN Total no.
of Shaft
No. of Start
Shaft
No. of Arri val
Shaft
Distance
between Shafts
Dri ve
Criteria
Post/Tender 1400 5 3 2 Av. 280m Straight
Pre/Construction 1800 2 1 1 942m S-Curves

Post Engineering/Optimization of Pipeline Route along Fort Arad area (PS B2 to PS B3)

The optimization of the tunnelling route was finalized and approved by the project owner in the benefits of all parties.
Shaft no. 21 that was originally 10A was designated as the launching shaft for the long DN1800 multi curvature drive
towards the arrival shaft no. 22 that was originally 10E. The shafts (10B, 10C and 10D) allocated in between the drives
were omitted. The drive was completed 25 days ahead of schedule.

































TBM Breakthrough at Shaft #22 Tunnel Auxiliaries along the drive



MICROTUNNEL no. 3 (Longest Sea Crossing Microtunnelling DN1800 Drive in the Middle East)




This drive set out to be the longest sea crossing
microtunnelling DN1800 drive that was executed within the
project. The drive starts from Shaft #47 allocated at the
Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway tunnelling under the wave
break rocks then under the Gulf Sea into a man-made
island into the Temporary Lifting Structure (TLS) shaft.






Multi Nationality Work Crew for the International Project TBM Breakthrough



















TBM Launching Site Setup with Gantry Crane




Microtunnel


1256 Collalto (TV)
Works for the construction of Edison gas pipeline
(ID 600mm 24) connection of Collalto (Treviso).
Jacking of 3 microtunnels: Torrente Rujo,
Castello S. Salvatore and Bosco Buricolat.



Customer
Snam Rete Gas S.p.A. - San Donato
Milanese MI

Execution period
July 2011- March 2012

Work value
1.550.000,00
Technical data
No. Microtunnel Machine Lenght ID OD Straight drive/slope Curved drive Curve radius/slope
1 Torrente Rujo AVN1600D 306 m 1600 mm 1940 mm 33 m / 7,32 % 270 m 600 m vert. / 7,32 45 %
2
Strada Comunale
S. Salvatore
AVN1800D 726 m 1800 mm 2160 mm 381 m / -1,2 % 345 m 1500 m horiz. / -1,2 %
3 Bosco Buricolat AVN1600D 213 m 1600 mm 1940 mm 213 m / 0,25 %


Slurry and bentonite management operations Preparation of an interjack station.

The 3 microtunnels driven by ICoP S.p.A. are part of the wide Snam Rete Gas project to develope the gas pipelines
network by starting from the San Polo di Piave connection plant and passing through the municipality of Vazzola, Santa
Lucia di Piave and Susegana (Treviso). The whole project develops under the Collalto hills, an high worthy area from the
point of view of wine production, natural and cultural interest. ICoP S.p.A. pipe jacking technology was able to provide
the most suitable tecnique to minimize the visual impact during and after the tunnelling operations and the installation of
the gas pipeline (ID 600 mm 24) was possible.

MICROTUNNEL 1 TORRENTE RUJO
The large height gap between the jacking shaft (86 m above m.s.l.) and the receiving one (167 m above m.s.l.) and the
relative short horizontal distance (289 meters) rappresented the greatest challenge for ICoP S.p.A.. After the first 33
meters long span with a 7,32% slope, the inclination of the tunnel axis increased constantly with a 600 m vertical radius
and reached a final slope of 45%. These percentages requires the solution of many technical problems regarding jacking
pressure, slurry pumping network, fluid losses, safe access to the tunnel by properly trained workers. A suitable ropes
and breeching system was developed to ensure the safety and to continue the tunnelling works althought the high slope
percentage. Despite the described problems the microtunnel was completed within the foreseen period of time.







MICROTUNNEL 2 Attraversamento strada comunale San Salvatore
It is one of the so-called Long Distance Microtunnel, because of his lenght (more than 500 meters) and his inner
diameter of1800 mm. The designed tunnel has a first straight 381 meters long section and a second 345 m long one with
an horizontal radius of 1500 meters and -1,2% slope. The drives passes under 3 different hills with related problems
regarding the inert level (over 50 meters) and geostatic pressure with consequences on the slurry treatment
management, lubrication effectiveness and jacking pressure. The Bauer slurry treatment plant linked to 2 decanter units
provided the required capacity to manage the huge excavated soil production, even though the unforeseen hard clayey
and conglomerate layers found during tunnelling operations.

MICROTUNNEL 3 Attraversamento Bosco Buricolat
Its a straight drive with a constant -0,25% inclination. The
tunnel axis passes under the northern slope of one of the
hills in the so-called Madonna del Buricolat. The ICoP
S.p.A. pipe jacking trenchless technology allowed the main
contractor to build his new pipeline even if placed in an
environmentally sensitive area with grass fields, grass feed
and woods with a minimal impact and, most of all, with a
small working space requirement. The main geology made
of conglomerate formations with rare clayey layers was
easily managed by the slurry treatment plant by reducing the
disposed materials and using part of them in the grouting of
the tunnel after the 24 pipeline installation.

The castle of Collalto Pipe jacking operations



A view of MT2 job site. Final recovery of AVN1600D machine


Microtunnel



Designed microtunnel profile of Torrente Rujo drive
Microtunnel



1255 - Shell Connect Project
Double crossing of the river Rhine plus 1.5 km of
pipeline in between to connect two Shell
refineries with four different product pipes.

Customer
SHELL Deutschland Oil GmbH

Execution period
July 2011 May 2013

Contract value
15.885.606,00

Technical data
No. Microtunnel Machine Length ID OD
1 Godorf-Tunnel AVN D 2000 AB 1300 m 2000 mm 2500 mm
2 Wesseling-Tunnel AVN D 2000 AB 1200 m 2000 mm 2500 mm




Pipeline description Starting shaft

Shell Deutschland Oil GmbH planned the construction of an underground pipeline to connect the two Shell refineries in
Wesseling and Cologne. The line is about 3,8 km and crosses the Rhine twice. The aim was to avoid the installation of
the pipeline in the densely populated area on the left side of the Rhine. Both crossings, with a length of respectively
1.191 m and 1.299 m, were executed in microtunnelling process. The drilling was executed with reinforced concrete
pipes DN 2000, which later acted as casing pipes for several product lines.



To perform the
project river Rhine
was crossed twice.
Here you can see
a map of the
project, which
required also the
installation of 1.5
km of pipeline in
between to
connect the two
Shell refineries.






Microtunnel



I.CO.P. was awarded both drilling projects thanks to its expertise based on the successful execution of many similar
projects in the field of microtunnelling. The contract was concluded according to international / English contract law
(EPCM Contract Engineering / Procurement / Construction / Management), so that it can be spoken not only of
construction performance but also of project success.


Technical challenges:
Crossing of several dikes in in homogenous ground conditions and work within a potential flooding-area.
Several layers of brown coal had to be tunnelled through.


Soil conditions :
Launching pit: Gravel, sandy Gravel, clay
Receiving pit: Gravel, sandy Gravel
Drilling section: Gravel, sandy Gravel, clay, brown coal
(more than 750 m)








AVN D 2000 AB Cutting wheels






Launching Pit Break through
Microtunnel
No. MT / Direct Pipe Machine Length ID OD
1 Scolo Riolo (DP) AVN1000XC 360 m 1200mm -
2 Dosolo (DP) AVN1000XC 596 m 1200mm -
3 Fiumazzo (DP) AVN1000XC 371 m 1200mm -
4 Reno 1 (MT) AVN2000D 462 m 2000mm 2500mm
5 Reno 2 (DP) AVN1000XC 721 m 1200mm -
Technical Data
Execution of microtunneling and direct pipe works as part of the
construction works for the pipeline Poggio Renatico PIL 8
Section of Poggio Renatico PIL 8 (48) L = 36.656 km 75 bar
and secondary works.
Execution period
November 2010
1246 - Sala Bolognese (BO)
Work value
2.600.000,00
Customer
As part of the works for the construction of the pipeline SNAM Poggio Renatico Sala Bolognese, I.CO.P. has been
using a new trenchless technology called Direct Pipe to carry out three crossings.
Patented by Herrenknecht AG, the Direct Pipe technology combines a typical microtunneling drilling system with a
special thrusting unit called Pipe Thruster, enabling the laying of product pipelines without need of previously
realized casings, as it is the case in microtunneling works.
The Pipe Thruster consists in a clamping unit connected to a base structure by means of two hydraulic cylinders. By
means of this system the steel pipeline is fastened and thrust into the soil, advancing as drilling takes place.
In this way, long pipe strings are pulled in at a time, while considerably reducing both drilling and pull-in times, if
compared to other trenchless technologies. The crossing of the channel Scolo Riolo - nearby Galliera (Bologna) -
worked as pilot project for the launch of this technology in Italy.
Pipe string being pulled in through the launching pit Launching pit area
Straight sections / gradient Curved sections
83,13m + 36,10m 96,99m + 114,14m
209,57m+148,56 + 29,60m 211,13m
83,13m + 24,31m + 52,77m 97,00m + 114,14m
29,94m + 35,94m 396,08m
241,48m+149,34 329,93m
Snam Rete Gas S.p.A
Microtunnel
Installation of the clamping unit on the string to be pulled-in TBM receiving area DP Scolo
View of the starting shaft and the pipe string being pulled in Pipeline pull-in on guide rollers
The drilling consisted in the crossing of a river and a B-road. The drilling section, with bowing effect, had a total length
of about 380 m, with a starting gradient of 7% and final gradient of 8% at the receiving pit. The drilling mainly took
place in clay soils of medium consistency, with a few sections in clay sands. Two 48-inch pipe strings of 190 m each
were pulled in and welded together after the first pull-in sequence. The crossing, including welding operations, was
completed in about 10 days from the launch of the TBM. Maximum daily production amounted to 100m.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
C.F. e P.IVA 00298880303
Reg. Impr. Udine 00298880303
ISO 14001
OHSAS 18001
(UD) Italia www.icop.it R.E.A. 131947 Udine SA 8000
Microtunnel
Microtunnel Area L(m) ID(mm) ED(mm)
Offshore Livorno-Italy 750 2000 2500
Technical Data
Construction of a pipeline 2,500 mm in external diameter to be
executed with microtunnelling techinque - OFFSHORE
technology
Execution period
august 2010
1239 - Livorno Offshore
Work value
1.820.000,00
Customer
Construction of a 32" pipeline which, from the OLT LNG terminal, located off the Tuscan coast, reaches the mainland
and joins the national transportation system in the municipality of Collesalvetti (Livorno). From the environmental point
of view Livorno and its ecosystem are considered protected areas, but in the junction area have been found traces of
contaminants that characterized the materials handled during the excavation as hazardous waste. For this reason,
treatment and disposal of polluted materials would have constituted a significant burden in terms of cost and
implementation time for the project. The alternative to digging an open trench was the trenchless technology, by
means of a microtunnel able to pass under the polluted areas and to reduce the amount of material being handled.
This technology implied an horizontally moving forward, towards the open sea, of a cutter head with ED of 2.5 m. The
microtunnelling profile was determined by considering the maximum share of polluted sediments and the point closest
to the coast with depth at least of -3.50 m (necessary in order to place a barge with a crane to recover the TBM). This
resulted in a total length of microtunnel equal to 750m at a depth ranging from -8.80 m to - 6.00 m.
AVN 2000 Intermediate thrust station
Snam S.p.A.
Microtunnel
Detail of the Recovery Unit Starting shaft area
Backflling plant Starting shaft
The cutter head was placed in a 11.50 m deep shaft, dug in a "artificial temporary peninsula", previously constructed
near the Canal Calambrone Bridge. Once, reached the final length of 741m, as provided in the project, the operations
for the recovery commenced of TBM started following the listed steps: dredging around the cutting head, shaft and
tunnel flooding with sea water, disconnection of the TBM from the first concrete ring, coupling and removal of the TBM
by means of a suitable crane placed on the pontoon. The excavation of the tunnel reached peaks of 53 meter daily
progress, respecting the timeframe of the program and without facing any technical problem. The drilling equipment
installation was complicated by the small size of the thrust shaft and by the different structures necessary for its
stability. After the necessary work to allow the TBM through the thrusting wall the installation of the microtunnel began.
The need to pass through sediments with very small bearing capacity has made the implementation very difficult,
requiring additional controls throughout the work activity in order to prevent mismatches with the quota and the
directions of the project. The excavated material has been treated by means of filter presses that have allowed the
transport to a waste recycling by reusing the water for the process of excavation and thus minimizing the use of
resources.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
C.F. e P.IVA 00298880303
Reg. Impr. Udine 00298880303
ISO 14001
OHSAS 18001
(UD) Italia www.icop.it R.E.A. 131947 Udine SA 8000
Microtunnel
No. Crossings Length ID (mm) ED (mm)
1 Vacchelli Canal 374,29 m 2000 2400
2 Serio River 782,72 m 2400 3000
Technical Data
Microtunnel River Crossing: Vacchelli Canal and Serio River as
part of the works for the construction of the Snam Rete Gas "
Cremona -Sergnano" pipline. Lot no. 3.
Execution period
august 2010 - may 2011
1232 - Cremona
Work value
2.120.000,00
Customer
Snam Rete Gas has started laying the Poggio Renatico Cremona gas pipeline, which will have a total length of
about 150 Km, a nominal diameter of 1,200 mm (48) and a working pressure of 75 bars. It will take the place of the
existing, old ND 550 mm (22) pipeline in operation since 1959, which runs from Minerbio to Cremona, thus increasing
the capacity, flexibility and reliability of gas transport.
The gas pipeline runs through the Regions Emilia Romagna and Lombardy and the route of the new gas pipeline runs
along many watercourses, such as the rivers Reno, Panaro, Secchia, Taro and Po, which will be crossed with
trenchless technology to reduce the environmental impact of the work site to a minimum.
The works we are referring to in this technical sheet are part of Lot no. 3 of the pipeline, belonging to the Cremona -
Sergano increase.
Microtunnel Serio River starting shaft Job site area: separation plant
Machines
AVN 1500TI with extention kit and mixed boring machine
AVN 2000D with extention kit and mixed boring machine
Snam S.p.A.
Microtunnel
Mixed boring head for M591 used for the Vacchelli Canal
crossing
Air quality monitoring while dismantling
The new pipeline - DN 1200 (48) starts near the existing Snam Rete Gas plant called Cremona Junktion; it then
continues north-west ward, joining the existing pipeline DN 500 (20) as far as the existing Snam Rete Gas plant called
Sergnano Junktion where it ends.
The project involved the construction of two river crossings using the microtunnelling technique.
The Vacchelli Canal crossing has a catenary layout: initial straight section with a gradient of -10,5%, then curving with
radius R=1600m. Final straight section with a gradient of + 10,5%. The tunnel crosses sandy layers, with gravels quite
small in size (2 3 cm), at the beginning and at the end, it also crosses larger gravels alternate with silty and clayey
layers in its central part. Ground water level varies from 2 to 3 from ground surface.
The Serio River crossing has an initial straight section with a gradient of -10,5%, vertically curving with radius
R=2000m up to a gradient of +0,5%; a straight section of about 295 m and another vertical curve with radius R=2000m
follow in order to connect it with the breakthrough straight section with a gradient of 9,3%. The tunnel crosses sandy
layers, with gravels (maximum size: 10 cm) at the beginning and at the end; there is a presence of alternate sandy
and gravelly layers in the central part. Ground water level varies from 1 to 2 from ground surface.
In both cases the starting pit perimeter walls are made of sheet-piles. Inside that area it was then built the concrete
box construction, including the thrusting and insertion walls.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
C.F. e P.IVA 00298880303
Reg. Impr. Udine 00298880303
ISO 14001
OHSAS 18001
(UD) Italia www.icop.it R.E.A. 131947 Udine SA 8000
Microtunnel
No. Microtunnel Length ID(mm) ED(mm)
1 PK0-PK13 1174 m 2000 2500
2 Pk53-V66 447 m 1600 2000
Technical Data
Connection to OLT Terminal in Livorno Italy - Construction of
no. 3 microtunnel and recover of the machine from the sea
thanks to the OUTFALL technique.
Execution period
april 2010 - may 2011
1231 - Livorno - OLT
Work value
3.034.202,00
Customer
The work consisted in the construction of 3 microtunnel with lengths of 1174 m, 884 m and 447 m and the relative
starting and receiving pits.
Peculiarity of the work was the recover of the AVN2000 M-583 machine from the sea ("OUTFALL" technique). The
recovery was carried out and coordinated together with our client, the company SIDRA of Rome, as part of the work in
Livorno for the regasification plant called OLT Offshore LNG Toscana. Special features of this work was the machine
equipment, which was designed and built by I.CO.P. s engineers and technicians in order to perform the recovery of
the shield ensuring perfect water tightness of electromechanical equipment.
After I.CO.P.'s work in Mira (Portugal) this is the first case in Italy of shore approach and its great success will help the
use of the microtunnelling technique any time it is necessary to use trencheless technology to solve problems related
to pipeline installation near the coastline.
Jacking station Job-site area on the bay
DENYS NV
Microtunnel
Injection plant
Starting Pit PK0-PK13 Starting Pit PK53-V66
TECHNICAL PARTICULARITIES OF THE CONSTRUCTION:
Pit constructed directly on the bay.
Machine recovered using platforms and swim cranes.
Special aim to sealing construction of the jacking pipes due to the ground conditions - quick sand, highly water
sensitive ground.
Environmental protected area
Restricted access close to an harbor area
Complicated operation of the D-Mode system
Stabilization of the face of the ground using the telescopic unit
Permanent surveying
Under water recovering
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
C.F. e P.IVA 00298880303
Reg. Impr. Udine 00298880303
ISO 14001
OHSAS 18001
(UD) Italia www.icop.it R.E.A. 131947 Udine SA 8000
Microtunnel
No. Microtunnel Area Length ID(mm) ED(mm)
1 Ems river Leer, Germany 1070 m 2000 2500
Technical Data
Microtunnel Ems crossing at km 19.160 in Jemgum (Leer)
Germany
Execution period
november 2009 - november 2010
1224 - Leer - Germany
Work value
4.255.644,40
Customer
Works to construct the pipeline Bunde - Etzel with DN1200 (48):
Crossing under the Ems river with minimum distance between the bottom of the river and the tunnel of about 7m;
maximal depth of the river: 12 m of with an average tide of 8 meters.
The starting pit is situated close to the Ems river; the pit is realized with bored piles, with vertical (in order to anchor
the bottom of the pit against the water pressure beneath) and sub-horizontal (at the thrusting wall, in order to
countervail the subsequent force due to the jacks) GEWI bars . Afterward it has been executed the excavation in
water, the concrete cast and the drain of the fund. The structure is made of reinforced concrete. The arriving pit on the
other side of the river has been constructed driving sheet piles in the ground as internal facing of the shaft and then
casting not reinforced concrete on the arriving wall.
The tunnel is constructed with an AVN2000D with external diameter of 2500mm.
Inner area Strarting shaft with jacks
BEP Bunde-Etzel-Pipeline GmbH & Co KG
Microtunnel
Job site area Staff
Arrival of the machine in the exit pit Insertion of the gas line inside the tunnel
Characteristics of the track: length L=1070m, initial descendent slope with a gradient of roughly 7%, Euler spiral for
about 200m until the middle section (without gradient); final uphill part for about 150m with a gradient of about 4%.
Level difference between the entrance and the exit of approximately 1m. Time of the drilling: 6 weeks
Drilling in clayey peat with presence of wood stumps at the beginning; then the material was mostly sandy loam, until
the last part where it was again clayey peat.
Installation of the pipeline by pulling from the arrival shaft with a rig for HDI. Installation of sledges for the pulling
phase in the tunnel.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
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Microtunnel
Nr. Microtunnel Area L(m) ID(mm) OD(mm)
1 Outlet tunnel V1 Mira, Protugal 1350 2600 3300
Technical Data
Projecto de Execucao Aquicola de Engorda de Pregado, em
Mira, Coimbra, Portugal, Acuinova - Actividades Piscicolas, SA.
Execution of a jacking 2,600/3,300 mm
Execution period
april 2008 - september 2008
1185 - Mira, Portugal
Work value
3.375.000,00
Customer
In 2008 I.CO.P SpA was awarded a special project in a small town near Mira in Portugal. Pescanova Group had
planned to execute this project in the expansion of the existing cultivation plant in Spain. The project consists of two
parts: civil construction of buildings, structures, ponds for the cultivated fish and the construction of a pipeline
connecting the cultivated area with the sea. The pipeline construction comes in 4 sections. Two sections (T1 & T2) are
for pipeline for the intake of the sea water and the remaining two sections (V1 & V2) are for the ones for the discharge
of the sea water. Concerning the environmental effects of the water used to grow the fish, a feasibility plan had been
studied and microtunneling method had been seriously considered as the most effective method to construct the 4
sections of the pipeline. The tunnelled outfall constructions are often an effective and sustainable possibility to
improve the quality of live in coastal areas. With the sea outfalls the water from the fish tanks can be transported away
from the coastline and discharged at locations where diffusion, dispersion and decomposition are enhanced.
Eye bird view of the starting pit Tunnelling works in process
Machine Model Str../Curve
Herrenknecht AVND2000AB w/ ext.3300 - 1.1%
Pescanova Group
Microtunnel
Tunnel auxiliaries and piping running 1,35 km from the shaft
to the TMB
Port of Averio, Portugal
TMB subsea recovery by BALLON BALLAST method Succesful recovery of TMB at Port of Averio, Portugal
The tunnel starts from a shaft (dia.18m, depth 12m - diaphragm wall method) and exist towards the sea (subsea
recovery method).
The project was successfully completed in 10 weeks, 4 weeks ahead of schedule with 1 week of standstill due to
tunnel engulfment. 12 nos. Of Intermediate Jacking Station been installed along the tunnel but non had been utilized.
The tunnel was completed and push through for subsea recovery with maximum force of 1100tons. The project was a
trademark for the microtunnelling works with combination of best implementation results through proper engineering
and planning, use of lubrication, controls and guidance including the team works in this project.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
C.F. e P.IVA 00298880303
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Microtunnel
N. Microtunnel Localit L (m) DI (mm) DE (mm)
1 Leila Fusine 600 2000 2400
2 Valbruna Malborghetto 585 2000 2400
Dati tecnici
I microtunnel sono stati realizzati per superare dossi montuosi, evitando aree boschive di elevato pregio naturalistico
(M.te Leila) e linteressamento di versanti acclivi e potenzialmente instabili (Valbruna), nellambito della realizzazione
del metanodotto Malborghetto-Tarvisio DN 900. Nel caso del microtunnel Valbruna lo scavo ha interessato la
formazione geologica dei calcari di Bellerophon, nelle sue facies dolomitiche ed argillitiche. Per meglio determinare i
rapporti tettonici-stratigrafici tra queste due formazioni sono stati realizzati 2 sondaggi a carotaggio continuo e 2
sondaggi a distruzione di nucleo (circa 120m di sondaggi complessivi): i risultati hanno evidenziato la presenza per
buona parte del tracciato dei calcari in facies argillitica. Per evitare frequenti fermi macchina dovuti allimpastamento
della testa nelle argille, stato ottimizzato il tracciato (curvilineo con raggio di curvatura = 4250 m) riducendo al
minimo lattraversamento di questultima formazione geologica a favore dei sovrastanti calcari dolomitici.
Microtunnel Leila: panoramica del cantiere Microtunnel Valbruna: installazione della stazione
intermedia
Rett./Curvo
R/p.20%
C/ r.425
Metanodotto Snam Rete Gas Tarvisio-Malborghetto DN
1200 (48) lotto B-Minitunnel Leila e Valbruna
Periodo esecuzione
Giugno 2004 - Febbraio 2005
1090 - Valbruna - Tarvisio
Importo lavoro
3.000.000,00
Committente
Snam S.p.A.
Microtunnel
Microtunnel Leila: particolare del freno ("pipe-brake") Microtunnel Leila: fresa a fine perforazione
Microtunnel Valbruna: posizionamento di un concio in c.a. Microtunnel Leila: uscita della fresa nella rincea di arrivo
Laccorgimento ha permesso di terminare la perforazione in circa 8 settimane, con produzioni fino a 115 metri
settimanali senza fermi macchina. Il microtunnel Leila stato invece scavato per i primi 450 metri allinterno della
Dolomia dello Schlern, dolomie e calcari dolomitici con locali fratture (UCS da 50 a 120 MPa) e per gli ultimi 150
metri nella Formazione di Buchenstein, calcari e calcari marnosi (UCS=80 MPa). Lelevata pendenza del tracciato
(20%) ha imposto ladozione di un particolare accorgimento "pipe-brake" (freno condotta), posizionato nel pozzo di
partenza, per evitare lo scivolamento della stessa durante le fasi di installazione di nuovi tubi in c.a. In entrambi i casi
stata utilizzata unAVN 2000D, dotata di una testa chiusa e dischi da roccia, con fronte ispezionabile dallinterno
della macchina nelleventualit di sostituire gli utensili di perforazione durante lo scavo.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
C.F. e P.IVA 00298880303
Reg. Impr. Udine 00298880303
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Microtunnel
Nr Microtunnel Area Straight L. (mt) ID (mm)
1 Backental Mettmenstetten grad. 1,4% 655 2000
Technical Data
Construction of microtunnel DN 2000 l = 825 mt in the
Mettmenstetten area Zurich (CH)
Execution period
February 2004 - July 2004
1070 - Mettmenstetten (CH)
Work value
2.806.413,18
Customer
The microtunnel is part of the project for the construction of a pipe for meteoric water collection connecting the
national road nr. 4.1.6 and the Backental treatment plant. This 1460 mt long pipe has been constructed contemporary
excavating on both sides of the tunnel with two different techniques, chosen according to their geological function. On
one end of the tunnel an open TBM Robbins cut the rocky part of the excavation (762 mt), on the other end the
Hydroshield AVN2000D drilled the glacial deposits (in presence of groundwater) with the microtunnel technique. In the
preliminary phase two investigations were conducted in order to determine the limit between the rock basis and the
upper morainal deposits. The results led to the definition of the exact route to be drilled with the AVN 2000D and the
one to be drilled with the TBM Robbins. A further geognostic investigation revealed the geomechanic characteristics of
the rock basis (constituted by sandstones, siltites and hard marles, with UCS 480-800 Kg/cm) and of the loose soil,
constituted by fluvioglacial and full of water morainal deposits.
AVN2000D ready to start AVN 2000D at the end of the drilling
OD (mm)
2500
Arge Stollen Backental
Microtunnel
Recovery of AVN2000D at the end of the drilling Separation plant
Lowering of pipe ID 2000mm/OD2500mm Shield with rock cutting head
The AVN 2000 D was equipped with a closed rock cutting head, with a diameter of 2525 mm and 12" discs to drill both
the cobbles and the final rocky part.
Peculiar of the work was the recovery phase of AVN machine inside the tunnel drilled by TBM.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
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Microtunnel
Nr. Area Machine Model Drill.diam.
1 Genova Pegli Herrenknecht AVN2000D 3025 mm
Technical Data
Construction of the microtunnel connecting the Porto Petroli in
Genova and the Praoil deposit in Genova Pegli
Execution period
February 2003 - June 2003
1006 - Genova Pegli
Work value
3.617.328,00
Customer
In the project aiming to reorganize oil transportation, Praoil Oleodotti Italiani SpA, which is part of the Eni group,
decided to use the microtunneling technique in order to directly connect the Porto Petroli in Genova Multedo and the
Genova Pegli deposit.
The microtunnel construction avoided to cross all morphological asperities and also all structures and infrastructures
on the route. The use of an AVN2000D microtunneler allowed the crossing of the litotypes investigated by the
geognostic report: clays, calcitic lime, ophiolites, flowage.
The need to launch a pipeline made of nr. 4 pipes DN750mm and nr. 2 pipes DN300mm inside the microtunnel,
imposed the total respect of the very small lying tolerances. The guide system usually employed was used adopting
special devices, in order to reduce the tolerances typical of this kind of method. The area where the microtunnel was
excavated is geologically characterized by Quaternary covering and reduced lenses of plyocenic deposits (Argilliti di
Ortovero) laying on a cristallinic base, constituted by rocks related to oceanic crust (Gruppo di Voltri).
Work area at the starting shaft Breakthrough at the arriving shaft
Curved tunnel ID (mm) OD (mm) L. (mt)
r.2150mm 2600 3000 643
Praoil S.p.A.
Microtunnel
Internal view of the tunnel Pipe line installed inside the tunnel
Shield cutting head Launch of the pipe line (starting shaft)
The drilling involved the following litotypes:
from 0 to 140 mt "Argilliti di Ortovero": sands, siltites, sandstones and sandly marls;
from 140 a 590 mt, "Calcescisti del Monte Turchino": micaschists, calceschists and graphitic schists;
from 590 to 630 mt, "Ofioliti del Monte Beigua": "Ophyolitic breccias" and serpentinites;
from 630 mt to the end: alluvial deposits.
During the drilling, due to the considerable mechanical properties of the drilled rocks, it was necessary to substitute
the worn-out drilling equipment.
In order to avoid settings in the Aurelia main road area, which was close to the arriving shaft and therefore with
reduced cover, some consolidating injections were performed along the drilling axis. The injections, together with the
guiding precision (maximum variations were comprehended in a range of 6 cm, considering both the vertical and the
horizontal axis), allowed to end the drilling without surface setting.
Once the microtunnel was ended, a pipe line made of four DN 750 pipes and two DN 300 pipes was launched inside it.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
C.F. e P.IVA 00298880303
Reg. Impr. Udine 00298880303
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OHSAS 18001
(UD) Italia www.icop.it R.E.A. 131947 Udine SA 8000
Microtunnel
tunnel hosting a conveyor belt length. 480 m
connecting shaft vol 1600 mC
depth of the shaft below s.l. 37,50 m
diam. of the shaft 14,20 m
Technical Data
Works to connect the deep ocean wharf of the Port of Savona
to the city cable-car lines
Execution period
january 2004 - 2010
9929 - Savona
Work value
35.472.374,28
Customer
Construction of civil works and systems for the transport of raw materials offloaded from ships, to replace the old
cableway that crossed through the centre of Savona. The civil works involved a: sorting tower to gather the raw
materials as they are unloaded from the ships; a 480 m long tunnel running just under wharf ground level to host a
conveyor belt to carry the raw materials to the storage pit; connection well servig as storage for the materials (volume
approx. 1600 m3, depth 37.50 m below sea level and diameter 14,20 m).
Intermediate shaft Box tunnel
DN microtunnel 2500
microtunnel leng 1077 m
microtunnel gradi 22%
FUNIVIE S.p.A.
Microtunnel
Connection well (microtunnel starting shaft) Microtunnel hosting conveyor belt
The connection well reaches nearly 40 meters below sea level The route along which the work has developed: from sea
level - gradient: 22%
Inside the microtunnel DN 2500, lenght 1077 m, constructed onslope with a gradiente of 22%, there is a special
conveyor belt to move the raw materials from the port to the overlying hillside. To the already mentioned civil works, an
intermediate microtunnel aeration pit was added.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
C.F. e P.IVA 00298880303
Reg. Impr. Udine 00298880303
ISO 14001
OHSAS 18001
(UD) Italia www.icop.it R.E.A. 131947 Udine SA 8000
Microtunnel
Nr Microtunnel Crossing Curved/St. L. (mt) I.D. (mm)
1 Ceresone River Camisano (Vi) C/r.1800 159 2000
2 Rio Puina Camisano (Vi) C/r.1800 261 2000
3 Grimana Rd21 Camisano (Vi) C/r.2000 213 2000
4 Rio Tesinella M4 Grisignano (Vi) C/r.2000 216 2000
5 Main road 11 Grisignano (Vi) S/g.0.5% 90 2000
6 Rio Settimo Grisignano (Vi) S/g.0.4% 60 2000
7 Bacchiglione r. Montegalda (Vi) C/r.2000 738 2000
8 Main road 16 Montegaldella(Vi) S/g.0.5% 90 2000
Technical Data
Works for the construction of the pipeline Camisano Vicentino-
Zimella DN 1400 (56) of the by-pass line at the Zimella DN
1200 (48") junction and of the Gu and Bacchiglione river
crossings along the pipeline Sergnano-Tarvisio DN 850 (34)
Execution period
August 2005-December 2006
9937 - Camisano Vicentino -Vi
Work value
20.678.000,00
Customer
In the area of Vicenza and Verona I.CO.P constructed 18 microtunnels. 16 of them were constructed along the new
pipeline Camisano Vicentino-Zimella DN 1400 (56) and 2 of them on the Sergnano-Tarvisio DN 850 (34) pipeline.
The work also included the construction of all starting and arriving shafts.
4.295 mt were drilled, in drilling sections going from the 738 mt of the Bacchiglione River microtunnel to the 60 mt of
Scolo Ronego one. Underground channel and river (Gu and Bacchiglione rivers) crossings, motorway and main road
crossings were constructed constantly checking the drilling pressure during the excavation, executed using two
Herrencknecht machines (AVN2000D machine for microtunnels nr. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 16 and AVN 1600 machines for
microtunnels nr 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15). The drilling involved alluvial river deposits, and more in general from
medium to fine sands with loam; near the main rivers (Gu river and Bacchiglione river) there were peat and clay
levels thick up to some meters; only locally there were gravellous strata.
Microtunnel nr 2: machine in the starting shaft. Microtunnel nr 7: view from the starting shaft
Nr Microtunnel Crossing Curved/St. L. (mt) I.D. (mm)
9 LEB channel Mossano (Vi) C/r.1800 306 2000
10 Bisatto channel Barbarano (Vi) C/r.2000 213 2000
11 Scolo Rion Villaga (Vi) C/r.1800 189 2000
12 Scolo Seonega Villaga (Vi) S/g.1.61% 93 2000
13 Scolo Liono Sossano (Vi) C/r.2000 273 2000
14 Scolo Ronego Orgiano (Vi) S/g.1.53% 60 2000
15 LEB channel Cologna V.ta (Vr) S/g.0.01% 72 1800
16 Gu river Cologna V.ta (Vr) C/r.2100 318 2000
Snam Rete Gas S.p.A.
Microtunnel
Microtunnel nr. 5: cutting head arrival of AVN 1600 Microtunnel nr.16: AVN 2000D breakthrough
Cutting head Microtunnel nr. 16: starting shaft
The drilling did not present any particular difficulty. Some problems of watertightness emerged in those shafts where
the excavation was executed within fine sand with loam deposits. In this cases the difficulties were overcome both by
the execution of well points and by using the jet grouting technique for the construction of reinforced concrete
diaphragm walls and sheet piles.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
C.F. e P.IVA 00298880303
Reg. Impr. Udine 00298880303
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OHSAS 18001
(UD) Italia www.icop.it R.E.A. 131947 Udine SA 8000
Microtunnel
N. Microtunnel L(m) ID(mm) ED(mm)
1 Castelluccio 960 m 2400 3080
2 Piano di Comi 915 m 2400 3080
Technical Data
Works for the construction of the Montalbano Elicona - Messina
DN 1200 (48") pipeline - 75 bar. Lots A and B.
Execution period
2008 - 2009
9946 - Messina - Lots A & B
Work value
42.150.000,00
Customer
TECHNICAL DETAILS OF THE CONSTRUCTION of the microtunnel Castelluccio in Villafranca Tirrena (ME) Italy:
The starting pit, situated inside the river shore, is constructed excavating and executing the concrete structure; the
arrival is inside a trench. The maximum depth under the mountain is of about 200m. The tunnel is constructed by
means of an AVN2500D with an external diameter of 3080mm.
Characteristics of the track: length L=960m, constant gradient of 5,6%, planimetric alignment with one curve of
radius R=4000m. Level difference between the entrance and the exit of about +55m.
Drilling in metamorphic rock with high degree of alterations and cracks, presence of more than one area of fault with
oblique direction compared to the alignment. Prolonged stop of the drilling process cause by the huge pressure and
friction made by the rocks passed during the advancement in a fault area. Realization of works to remove the
blockage and restart with the normal process of pipe jacking.
Insertions of sections with triple joint followed by pipeline installation from starting pit (thrust by a winch and pulleys).
Piano di Comi job site eye-bird view Installaton of one machine element - Piano di Comi
Snam Rete Gas S.p.A.
Microtunnel
View of the tunnel during the drilling phase - Castelluccio Machine breakthrough - Castelluccio
Machine breakthrough - Piano di Comi Insertion of the 42 pipeline
TECHNICAL DETAILS OF THE CONSTRUCTION of the microtunnel Piano di Comi in Villafranca Tirrena (ME) -
Italy:
The starting pit, situated inside the river shore, is constructed excavating and executing the concrete structure; the
arrival is inside a trench.
The maximum depth under the mountain is of about 120m;
The tunnel is constructed by means of an AVN2000D with an external diameter of 3080mm.
Characteristics of the track: length L=915m, first section without gradient followed by a vertical curve with radius
R=2500m and a final slope with a gradient of about 22%. Level difference between the entrance and the exit of about
+52m.
Drilling in metamorphic rock with high degree of alterations and cracks, crossing of a channel and an existing
pipeline with a cover of 6m.
Installation of the pipeline from the starting pit through the thrust made by a winch and pulleys. Insertions of sections
of line made with triple joint.
I.CO.P. S.p.a. Tel. +39 0432 838611
Via S. Pellico, 2
33031 Basiliano
ISO 9001
Fax +39 0432 838681
icop@icop.it
C.F. e P.IVA 00298880303
Reg. Impr. Udine 00298880303
ISO 14001
OHSAS 18001
(UD) Italia www.icop.it R.E.A. 131947 Udine SA 8000


Microtunnel


9952 - Tarvisio - Malborghetto
Works to construct Tarvisio - Malborghetto
pipeline with DN1200 (48) and to change the
existing pipeline DN900 (36). P 75 bar.

Customer
Snam Rete Gas S.p.A.

Execution Period
january 2008 december 2010

Work value
40.960.000,00


Technical data
No.Microtunnel Machine Gradient ID (mm) ED (mm)

1 Bosco di Colma AVN2000D 11% 2000 3100
2 Coston Tedesco AVN2500D 5% 2500 3100
3 Lussari AVN2000D 1,8% 2000 3100























Lussari: starting pit with the locomotive for the Bosco di Colma: drilling rig used to pull the pipeline in the tunnel
transport of materials

Microtunnel "BOSCO DI COLMA" (crossing of a mountain with a maximum depth of about 250m)
The starting pit, situated near the mountainside entrance, is realized with excavation and execution of the concrete
structure. The arrival point is realized in a open trench on the opposite side of the mountain.
The tunnel is realized with an AVN2500D with external diameter of 3100mm.
Characteristics of the track: length L=1320m, constant slope with a gradient of about 11%, absence of curve. Difference
in level between the entrance and the exit about +150m.
Drilling in rock through different formations; presence of fault areas and rocks with variable consistence and rank of
cracks. Huge quantities of water from the mountain with pressure over 2bar and flow about 15-20m
3
/hr.
Usage of the intermediate jacking stations to complete the drive.
Installation of the pipeline by pulling from the arrival shaft with a drilling rig for HDI. Installation of sledges for the pulling
phase in the tunnel.












Microtunnel "COSTON TEDESCO" (crossing of a mountain with a maximum depth of about 100m)
The starting pit, situated near the mountainside entrance, is realized with excavation and execution of the concrete
structure. The arrival point is inside an open trench in the riverbed of a mountain torrent.
The tunnel is made with an AVN2500D with external diameter of 3100mm.
Characteristics of the track: length L=1065m, constant slope of about 5%, absence of curve. Difference in level
between the entrance and the exit about +50m.
Drilling in rock through different formation of lime; presence of rocks with variable consistence and rank of cracks,
crossing two areas of fault. Presence of huge quantities of water with pressure over 2bar and flow about 20m
3
/hr.
Installation of the pipeline by pulling from the arrival shaft with a drilling rig for HDI. Installation of sledges for the pulling
phase in the tunnel.


Microtunnel "LUSSARI" (crossing of a mountain with a maximum depth of about 100m)
The starting pit is situated near the mountainside of entrance on the shore of the Lussari torrent; the pit is realized with
excavation and execution of the concrete structure.
The arrival point is inside an open trench in the riverbed of the mountain torrent.
The tunnel is realized with an AVN2000D with external diameter of 3100mm.
Characteristics of the track: length L=1080m, constant slope of about 1,8%, absence of curve. Difference in level
between the entrance and the exit of about +19m.
Drilling in rock through different formation of lime; stop of the advancement at the progressive of 570m because of the
high lateral forces in a fault area. Change of the system from pipe jacking to segment lining and continue with the drilling.
Installation of the pipeline by pulling from the arrival shaft with a drilling rig for HDI. Installation of sledges for the pulling
phase in the tunnel.

Lussari: construction of ring of segments Lussari: view of tunnel entrance for the segment lining system
Coston tedesco: installation of the sledges on the pipeline Coston tedesco: design of the sledge







Microtunnel

Geological section