ABSTRACT
The excavation of deep, long tunnels is still an important challenge today. High overburdens result in a significant lack of knowledge. The analysis of engineering issues linked to these geological unknown quantities often does not focus on work organization and logistics, matters which are often left to the contractor, without considering that rock face supply and spoil removal issues have an impact on compliance with the estimated timetable and costs for the work, not to mention the environmental impact the works can have on the area in which they are being carried out. This article describes how BBT SE, starting with the planning phase, chose certain logistic solutions for the Mules 2-3 construction lot for the Brenner Base Tunnel. These choices were developed by the contractor after the tendering phase, implementing the system described in this paper which allowed excavation work to proceed in compliance with the planned timetable.
