Incredible Engineering: The Secrets of Switzerland's Tunnel Boring Machine

🔍 The equipment used for working in the tunnel is fascinating, including the tunnel boring machine and the cutter heads on the cutting wheel.

⚙️ The tunnel boring machine optimizes the arrangement of its bits based on the geology of the area, and stabilizing material can be placed in the rock behind the cutting wheel.

🚧 The machine pushes forward along the already built tunnel, filling the gap between the tunnel and rock with a fast curing mortar.

🛠️ Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) use segments to build tunnel rings and secure the excavation.

⏱️ Experienced teams can build a complete segment ring in about 25 minutes.

🔧 High strength steel fiber concrete is used for the segment rings, making them rigid and allowing for different curves in the tunnel.

🔑 The tunnel boring machine continuously extends and suspends a belt from the tunnel vault for protection.

🚧 The tunnel is made waterproof by installing a weather and pressure resistant membrane.

🏗️ Concrete work is carried out using movable formwork and a mobile concrete plant on-site.

🏗️ The process of constructing a tunnel involves building a bridge for the tunnel boring machine to pass over.

⚒️ After the bridge is constructed, the tunnel floor and vault are completed using excavation material and strengthening techniques.

🌬️ Tunnel ventilation is achieved through a service gallery and ventilating air conduits suspended on the vault.

🚧 The tunnel is prepared for the installation of the inner vault and reinforced with prefabricated cages.

🔨 The arched framework is assembled and the formwork is filled with concrete.

🏗️ The formwork is adjusted precisely and the concrete is poured into the tunnel.

🔑 The tunnel boring machine allows for a concreting stage every 24 hours.

⚒️ The concrete is supported by solid formwork tables until complete curing occurs.

🏗️ Marti Technic has planned and built all the equipment for the tunnel construction.

🏭 The tunnel boring machine is constructed in a factory and then delivered to the construction site.

♻️ Usable excavation material is stored and used for backfilling, while unusable material is transported elsewhere.

🚧 The renovation of the original tunnel tubes will begin in 2021, relying on special devices for building a solid replacement tunnel.