On the CO5a site near Modane in France a sprayed concrete robot is being trialled in the construction of four ventilation shafts. It will be lowered into the 500m-deep shafts to apply the first sprayed concrete lining.
Telt, the French-Italian client for the new Lyon-Turin rail route, said the new technology was designed specifically for the project.
The robot is operated by remote control, removing the need for an operator to enter the shaft.
Meanwhile, on the 07 construction site in Saint-Martin-la-Porte, the first TBM components have been delivered. The Herrenknecht TBM, operated by the Italian-French group CO 6-7 comprising Vinci Construction, Webuild, Dodin Campenon Bernard and Campenon Bernard Centre Est, will dig the 9km north tube between Saint-Martin-la-Porte and La Praz. Tunnelling on the south tube has been completed.
The 57.5km Mont Cenis base tunnel – 12.5km in Italy and 45km in France – will be one of the longest rail tunnels in the world.
