3. Main goals
To increase the capacity on railroad
transportation
To reduce the pollution caused by the trucks
that pass by the Alps
To reduce the travel times.
4. Specifications
Length:
Western tunnel: 56.978 km
Eastern tunnel: 57.091 km
Total length of all tunnels and
shafts: 151.84 km
Diameter of each of the single-track
tubes: 8.83–9.58 m
5. Specifications
Start of construction: 1993 (sounding
drills), 1996 (preparations), 2003 (mechanical
excavation)
End of construction: 2016
9. Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)
Excavation by TBM - 85.529 km
It provides a safer and less disturbing drill to
the surrounding area
The drilling is faster than traditional
techniques.
10. Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)
Number of TBMs used: 4
Total length: 440 m (including back-up
equipment)
Total weight: 3,000 tons
Max. excavation daily: 25–30m (in excellent
rock conditions)
11. Excavation by blasting (conventional
drive)
66.311 km - 43.7 %
(Sections of the main tunnel , cross
passages, access tunnels, etc.)
Excavation diameter in tunnel section with
drive by blasting (only single track tunnels) -
8.80 - 13.08 m
12. Different numbers and facts
Regular distance between single tunnels - 40
m
Max. Distance between single tunnels - 70 m
Number of cross passages total - 176 pieces
Regular distance between cross passages -
312.5 m
Maximum work temperature - 28° C
Persons employed, including engineers,
geologists, etc. - 2600
13. By 2016...
In December, the construction is expected to
be completed.
Trains per day: 200–250
Amount of excavated rock: 28,200,000 tons
Total cost: CHF 9.74 billion (as of October
2010) (US$10.1 billion)
