VEREINA PERSPECTIVE

This article describes the construction of the Vereina and Zugwald Tunnels in the Lower Engadin region of south east Switzerland. On this route, the 2.16km long Zugwald Tunnel will rise 4% uphill in a curve with a 525m radius, and be followed by the 19.06km long Vereina Tunnel with a straight path. The typical two-track section of the main tunnel has a cross section between 70sqm and 86sqm. There are also one-track sections between 39sqm and 46sqm. There are five construction contracts for the tunnelling work. The boring of the Zugwald Tunnel is now complete, and was done using a Wirth TB 770/850 E tunnel boring machine (TBM), which performed very well despite difficult geological conditions. The geology of the Vereina Tunnel consists mainly of crystalline gneiss but also several other types of rock. On the north side, a TBM is used, which has advanced between 4m and 15m per day, but could advance up to 30m per day when stronger amphibolite rock is reached. Rock anchors are being used for support. On the south side, conventional methods are being used, but applying new construction techniques. A three-boom Atlas Copco H185 jumbo is being used for drill+blast operations. The tunnel's environment has been conserved very carefully.

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  • Corporate Authors:

    THE MINING JOURNAL LTD

    60 WORSHIP STREET
    LONDON,   United Kingdom  EC2A 2HD
  • Authors:
    • HACKEL, K A
  • Publication Date: 1995-10

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00719884
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Apr 26 1996 12:00AM