The first of three Lovat EPBMs to be used on Phase 1 of Italy’s 9.6km long Turin Metro Line 1 tunnel has been assembled on site and was on schedule to start boring at the beginning of this month.
The 7.7m diameter machine will be used by the Grassatto/Grandi Lavori Fincosit/Seli JV to bore the 3.2km long single tube, twin track tunnel from Fermi station to Pozzo Strada. The Lovat is equipped with a bi-directional, variable speed mixed ground cutterhead to combat the cobbles, gravel, sands and fines expected along the alignment. The tunnel will be lined with 300mm thick pre-cast concrete segments.
The section makes up Lot 3 of the tunnel that has two other Lots. Lot 4 covers the 2.6km long drive from Pozzo Strada to Principi d’Acaja while Lot 5 consists of the 3.8km long drive form Principi d’Acaja to Porta Nuova.
Lot 4 will be bored by the Grandi Lavori Fincosit/ Seli JV using an identical Lovat EPBM. This second machine is scheduled to arrive on site at the end of this month with boring starting soon after. Lot 5 will be constructed early next year by the Grandi Lavori Fincosit/Seli/CCC/ Rodio/Interstade JV using an NFM TBM.
Design and project management services are provided by a JV of Geodata of Italy and French outfit Systra. The line is scheduled to be operational by late 2005 to ensure it is ready for the 2006 Winter Olympics.
