ABSTRACT
The new high-speed/high capacity railroad “Terzo Valico dei Giovi” runs mainly through tunnels. Some sections of tunnels are built through special rock formations known as ophiolites that potentially contain asbestos. For this reason it was necessary to prepare a plan of exploratory and monitoring investigations to be carried out during construction to detect the presence of asbestos and to adapt the excavation and measurement techniques to site. The plan defines the sampling and analytical methods (S.E.M- Scanning Electron Microscope and P.C.M. – Phase Contrast Microscopy) used according to the excavation techniques (conventional, T.B.M., etc.). Given the need to make available the results of the analyses within 48 hours, the analysis laboratories shall use units located in the territory. The plan also provides for the preparation of a monitoring network for airborne asbestos fibres at the construction sites and surrounding areas and for the correct characterization of the rock materials.
