TBM “Lilia” Started Excavation at the Brenner Base Tunnel
On May 2, 2023, the excavation of the east main tunnel from Ahrental southwards began in the H41 Sill Gorge–Pfons construction lot with the start of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) named “Lilia”. Starting from the assembly chamber in the Ahrental valley, which is located just under 1000 m beneath the surface, the TBM will complete its approximately 8.1km long excavation stretch up to the township of Navis.
Assembly of the TBM “Lilia” in the assembly cavern of construction lot H41 Sill Gorge–Pfons
Credit/Quelle: BBT SE
On this day, the first segment ring, consisting of six segments, was also installed. The TBM “Lilia” has an excavation diameter of about 10.4 m and a length of about 160 m, including the back-up construction. The weight of the tunnel boring machine is around 2420 t. On-site assembly alone took three months.
BBT CEOs Gilberto Cardola (left) and Martin Gradnitzer (right) with project manager Romed Insam at the cutting wheel of the TBM “Lilia”
Credit/Quelle: BBT SE
The back-up units of a TBM are assigned special tasks to ensure the supply and control of the TBM. In addition to working tools and construction materials, the back-up units also house equipment for personal protection. They contain the installations for placing the segments as well as hydraulic equipment, fans, dust extractors and several transformer systems.
Special rescue containers, equipped with water and emergency aid utensils and supplied with fresh air from the outside, provide refuge for the tunnel workers in dangerous situations. The excavated material is usually transported directly to landfills via conveyor belts.
The second tunnel boring machine "Ida", which will drive the western main bore of the tunnel from the Ahrental towards the south, will start in mid-June 2023.
On-site Segment Production
The segment production for construction lot H41 Sill Gorge–Pfons will take place in the newly constructed hall adjacent to the construction site. In the next 2.5 years, a total of around 51 000 segments will be produced specifically for this construction lot. On-site segment production offers logistical advantages and is environmentally friendly. By producing on site, around 27 000 lorry transports to the construction site can be avoided.
