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To mark the 50th anniversary of the International Tunnelling Association (ITA-AITES), 50 “Iconic Projects” have been selected to represent the excellence of tunnelling worldwide. These projects are characterized by a blend of innovation, technical complexity, and significant impact, best representing our underground world.
Of these, 6 projects were developed and realized in Italy, placing the country among the most represented nations on the list—a testament to the high regard and prestige Italian tunnelling enjoys internationally.
The 50th anniversary of the ITA, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Italian Tunnelling Society (SIG), will be celebrated this November in Genoa, in conjunction with the ITA Awards 2024 ceremony, an event of particular importance on the national stage.
Returning to the list of the 50 Iconic Projects, this offers an interesting opportunity to “travel” virtually around the world to discover tunnelling excellence.
EURASIA TUNNEL (TURKEY)
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Completion Date: 2013-2016
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Client: Ministry of Transport, Republic of Turkey
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Design: Parsons Brinckerhoff, HNTB, Italferr, Altinok
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Contractors: Yapı Merkezi Construction and Industry Inc. & SK Engineering & Construction Co. JV
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Length: 5.4 km
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Diameter: 13.7 m
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Construction Methods: 3,400 m TBM tunnel, 1,000 m NATM tunnel, 1,000 m Cut & Cover
Project Description
The Eurasia Tunnel is the first double-deck highway tunnel to connect the Asian and European continents beneath the seabed. The project allows users to complete the intercontinental journey in approximately 5 minutes. The tunnel is reserved for light vehicles and is used by 75,000 vehicles per day.
Built between 2013 and 2016 with an investment of $1.245 billion, the project covers a total route of 14.6 kilometers, including access roads. The 5.4 km section of the project consists of a double-deck tunnel and connecting tunnels built with specialized technology under the seabed. The remaining 9.2 kilometers include connecting and approach roads on both the European and Asian sides. The strait-crossing phase, 3.4 kilometers long with its deepest point at 106.4 meters below sea level, was completed using advanced excavation technology. The Mixshield TBM, specifically manufactured for the project, ranked first in the world for cutting power (), second for design pressure (12 bar), and sixth for excavation diameter (13.7 meters).
The tunnel utilizes two specifically designed “seismic rings” to increase the earthquake resistance of the entire structure. Given the geometric dimensions and the level of seismic activity expected in the area, the quality and design of the lining rings were a top priority for the project.
Another technical element of particular relevance was the management of hyperbaric interventions during the mechanized excavation of the TBM tunnels. Hyperbaric maintenance operations were successfully completed four times by specially trained divers. One of these operations, carried out at the deepest point of the tunnel and resulting in a total loss of 47 days, was performed in a pressurized environment of up to 10.8 bar—a pressure level never previously tested—marking a “world first.”
TBM construction was completed in 476 calendar days, with an average advance rate of 7 m/day. Started in 2013, the project was completed in 3 years and 11 months on December 22, 2016—eight months ahead of schedule—with a total of 700 engineers and over 12,000 employees working for 14 million man-hours.
In seven years of operation, the Eurasia Tunnel has facilitated a total of 123 million trips, saving 172 million hours of time and 218,000 tons of fuel. It has led to a reduction of 91,000 tons of emissions and a decrease in accident costs by 492 million vehicle-km, contributing $1.5 billion to the economy. The project has been honored with 14 international awards.
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