We are excited to announce the shortlist for the ITA Tunnelling Awards 2024!
Our esteemed judges had the challenging task of selecting the finalists from an outstanding pool
of entries this year and were impressed by the quality of the submissions.Over 100 applications
from 19 countries were avaluated. We can now reveal the finalists in the 7 categories.
The winners will be announced on 28 November 2024 and rewarded at the annual ITA Awards
conference in Genoa, Italy.
MAJOR PROJECT OF THE YEAR (+500M €)
Chunfeng Tunnel – Single-Bore, Double-Deck Municipal Tunnel in
Shenzhen, China
The Chunfeng Tunnel in Shenzhen, China, is a major infrastructure project
aimed at reducing congestion and pollution in the city’s densely populated
Futian and Luohu districts. Spanning 5.078 km, with a 15.8 m diameter, this
double-deck tunnel supports a four-lane road and is constructed using
slurry balance TBMs. It navigates through complex geological formations
and passes beneath numerous existing structures. The project
incorporates innovations such as 78% prefabrication of tunnel structures and advanced cutterhead wear
detection, saving €6 million. Once completed, the tunnel will enhance traffic flow, reduce pollution, and
improve the urban environment.
LIRR Grand Central Madison – New York City Terminal
Grand Central Madison is a landmark $11.1 billion project by New York’s
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), providing direct Long Island
Rail Road (LIRR) access to Manhattan’s East Side. The underground
terminal spans over 65,000 m², with eight new tracks and four platforms
housed in two massive caverns. The project involved 9.7 km of hard rock
tunneling under Manhattan and 3.2 km of soft ground tunneling in Queens,
completed using innovative techniques like ground freezing. By
transporting materials through tunnels to Queens, thousands of trucks were removed from the streets,
reducing urban impact. Opened in 2023, it increases LIRR capacity by 40% and reduces daily commute times.
Awards 2024_Fiamlists 2024 16/09/2024 2
Thames Tideway Tunnel – London’s New Super Sewer
The Thames Tideway Tunnel is an innovative solution to modernize London’s
outdated Victorian sewer system. Spanning 25 km, this tunnel intercepts 34
combined sewer overflows to prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the River
Thames. Costing £4.5 billion, the project employed six TBMs operating
simultaneously in a dense urban environment. Extensive use of the Thames for
transporting materials reduced environmental impacts such as carbon emissions and
heavy vehicle traffic. Once operational, the tunnel will have a 120-year lifespan and
reduce sewage discharges into the river by 95%. The project also featured technical
innovations like using electric-powered drilling machines to lower noise pollution.
Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) Contracts T222 to T310 – Singapore
The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) is a fully automated mass rapid transit
(MRT) line in Singapore, covering 32 stations over approximately 43 km.
This project aims to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time by 50% for
densely populated areas. The section under contracts T222 to T310 spans
15 km and includes 13 stations, constructed with the help of 18 Earth
Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs). With a total tunnel drive
length of 29.4 km, the project faced challenges like complex geology and
interference with existing infrastructures. Valued at €3.2 billion, innovative solutions such as ground freezing
were implemented to minimize urban disruption. Once completed, TEL will significantly transform urban
mobility, cutting commute times and improving residents’ quality of life.
PROJECT OF THE YEAR (50 – 500 M€)
Lot H52 Hochstegen – Brenner Base Tunnel – Austria
The Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) is a key infrastructure project connecting
Fortezza, Italy, to Innsbruck, Austria. Lot H52, the Hochstegen section,
involved the construction of 5 km of tunnels, including an exploratory
tunnel and main tunnel sections. Innovative solutions were required to
manage complex water-bearing geological conditions, using specialized
drilling and grouting techniques to stabilize the tunnel. The project is part
of the larger Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor, enhancing freight and
passenger rail services by significantly reducing travel time and energy
consumption. This section of the BBT was completed in December 2023, contributing to a sustainable future
by reducing road congestion and environmental impacts.
Awards 2024_Fiamlists 2024 16/09/2024 2
Lot H71 Isarco River Underpass – Brenner Base Tunnel- Italy
Lot H71, part of the Brenner Base Tunnel project, focuses on the
challenging Isarco River underpass, where tunnels were constructed
with minimal overburden under major infrastructures like the A22
motorway and the Isarco River. Advanced techniques, including
artificial ground freezing, were used to stabilize the ground and
prevent river displacement. Spanning 6.2 km, the project involved both
single- and double-track tunnels. The innovative methods employed
not only addressed the complex geological conditions but also ensured the project stayed on time and within
budget. Once completed, the Brenner Base Tunnel will connect northern and southern Europe, improving
freight and passenger transport across the Alps.
Musaimeer Pump Station and Outfall Project (MPSO) – Qatar
The Musaimeer Pump Station and Outfall Project (MPSO) is a crucial
infrastructure development in Doha, Qatar, aimed at managing
groundwater and stormwater over an area of 270 km². The project includes
a pump station, a 10.2 km outfall tunnel (one of the longest in the world),
and a seabed diffuser for treated water discharge. The tunnel was
constructed using a TBM under challenging wet and dry conditions, with
precise alignment achieved at a tolerance of 200 mm. Despite the COVID19 pandemic, the tunnel was completed 58 days ahead of schedule. The project has improved urban water
management and helped protect over 30% of Doha’s population from flooding. Additionally, all excavated
materials were used for land reclamation.
SMP4 Lyon-Turin Saint-Martin-la-Porte Exploratory Tunnel – France
The SMP4 exploratory tunnel is part of the Lyon-Turin rail project, a vital
element of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Spanning
12.7 km, the tunnel serves both as a geotechnical investigation and a
critical section of the future Mont-Cenis Base Tunnel. The project faced
complex geological challenges, including unstable carboniferous
formations, which were addressed using innovative methods like bicomponent grouting and controlled yielding support systems. The
tunnel contributes to the shift from road to rail transport, reducing CO2 emissions and improving the capacity
of freight and passenger trains across the Alps. It was completed in September 2022, marking a significant
milestone for the broader Lyon-Turin project.
RENOVATION PROJECT OF THE YEAR
Genoa Railway Junction Capacity Upgrade – Italy
The Genoa Railway Junction upgrade is a critical infrastructure project
aimed at enhancing the city’s capacity to manage freight and passenger
traffic. This renovation includes the construction of several new tunnels
and the rehabilitation of abandoned ones, such as the San Tomaso,
Polcevera, and Campasso tunnels. Innovations like widening the Facchini
Tunnel for larger freight trains and reusing sections of the old Grazie Bassa
Tunnel for emergency access improved project sustainability. The project is part of the broader effort to
connect the Port of Genoa to the Trans-European Corridor, linking it with Rotterdam. The work ensures the
separation of regional and long-haul trains, allowing for more efficient freight and commuter services.
Awards 2024_Fiamlists 2024 16/09/2024 2
Manfreida Tunnel Renovation Project – Italy
The Manfreida Tunnel renovation, part of the Genoa-Gravellona Toce
motorway, adopts the Tunnel Renewal Strategy (TRS), aiming to
extend the service life of the tunnel by 50 years. The project involved
partially demolishing the existing lining and rebuilding it with
innovative materials to improve waterproofing and structural
integrity. The renovation is divided into two phases to minimize traffic
disruption, using technologies like prefabricated elements and highperformance sprayed concrete. By utilizing a multi-criteria analysis for optimal solutions, the project focuses
on safety, minimizing impacts on traffic, and ensuring the long-term resilience of the infrastructure.
Refurbishment of the Heinenoord Tunnel – Netherlands
The Heinenoord Tunnel, constructed in 1969 using the immersed tube
method, serves over 110,000 vehicles daily in the Netherlands. The
renovation project involves the complete replacement of tunnel technical
installations, concrete repairs, and asbestos removal. A significant
challenge was the addition of a central gallery for safer escape routes,
which was built using prefabricated elements during a four-week period in
the summer of 2023. By pretesting and using mock-ups, the work was
streamlined to minimize traffic disruptions. Despite closures for necessary works, the project aims to reduce
future interruptions, improve tunnel safety, and ensure faster completion. The project is set for completion
by December 2024, with a total cost of approximately €200 million.
TECHNICAL INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
Advanced Tunnelling Assistance System, Italy
The innovative Advanced Tunnelling Assistance System (ATAS)
implements real-time TBM data analysis and monitors data using
AI/machine learning. This permits a continuous monitoring of the
excavation and perform, from the measured parameters, estimates on
the variation of geological conditions at the excavation face. In
addition, ATAS constantly updates settlement criteria evaluations
based on real-time added information and permits automatic
evaluation of new excavation parameters (such as adjusting face pressure) to mitigate the risk. The system
has been applied for the first time on one of four 8.78m diameter TBM drives excavated for rail node
development project in the centre of the very congested city of Łódź in Poland. The ATAS takes advantage of
existing data to optimize TBM excavation and reduce excavation risks. This is particularly important in urban
areas, where the consequences of accidents can be extremely severe.
Awards 2024_Fiamlists 2024 16/09/2024 2
Disc Cutter Wear Sensor Package and TBM Monitoring System, South
Korea
Newly developed technology that maximizes excavation efficiency by
remotely measuring disc cutter wear using a package that consists of
magnetic sensors, hall sensors, a power supply battery, a wireless
communication module, an Arduino board, and an external casing. As the
disc cutter ring wears, the relative distance between the ring and the
magnetic sensor increases. This affects the magnetic flux density which can
be detected by the sensor, thereby obtaining voltage measurements. Using
these voltage values from the sensor, the relative distance of the disc cutter ring can be calculated. A deep
learning-based algorithm for assessing wear conditions and predicting the remaining cutter life has been
developed, which can be provided to users through the monitoring system. The innovation lies in measuring
the wear of disc cutters through sensors instead of relying on man-entry interventions, allowing for databased decisions on when to replace the disc cutter.
MIRET-Tunnel AI, Italy
MIRET, Management and Identification of the Risk for Existing
Tunnels, is a methodology, an IT environment and a series of tools
for planning and management of infrastructures and tunnels,
aiming to the digital transformation of the whole asset
management and life cycle, from element inspection to decisionmaking. MIRET combines mobile mapping surveys, artificial
intelligence for analysis, digital models, risk analysis and shared working environments. Inspections are
performed using ARCHITA, an ETS system for the multi-dimensional mobile mapping of tunnels that
integrates laser scanners, ground penetrating radars, and linear and thermal cameras on a bimodal vehicle
with a survey speed of 15-30km/hr. ARCHITA moves the inspection phase from on-field to back-office
guaranteeing more reliable and cost-time efficient data. The digitalization is performed from 3D point cloud
to CAD and IFC, with a good level of information from the integration of HD photos, radargrams and thermal
images. Currently, the data refers to the years from 2017 to 2023. These data are subject to a quality control
process, where the preparation of the vulnerability map is carried out by an engineer and/or geologist
specializing in tunnels. MIRET-Tunnel AI defines an approach to tunnel management focused on high level
technology, Smart Data and letting the authority take decisions in a faster, more reliable and traceable way.
PRODUCT/EQUIPMENT INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
Advanced Hybrid Wireless Sensor Network System for Safety Risk Sensing
in Tunnel and Underground Engineering, China
Real-time wireless sensor monitoring systems have been heavily applied in
daily monitoring projects globally. Existing systems however, reach a limit
when three critical monitoring challenges are encountered: unstable data
transmissions in an underground construction environment; noncooperated measurements when using mixed systems from various
suppliers; and slow response to early warnings when wireless sensors are
in deep battery saving hibernation mode. The advanced Hybrid Wireless Sensor Network (H-WSN) System,
developed in China, for the first time, has systematically and structurally defined the next generation of WSN
monitoring for safety risk sensing in underground construction while properly addressing the three limiting
challenges. The H-WSN has complete, original, systematically embedded software designed on wireless
communication protocol of Static Mesh for long term trend, Trigger Mesh for trigger event detection, and
Awards 2024_Fiamlists 2024 16/09/2024 2
Dynamic Mesh for high volume data handling; complete, original, systematically embedded hardware design
to interface all the major categories of sensors; and high quality, reliable, instant data for safety risk sensing,
management and control. Since March 2021, the H-WSN has served 1,200 commercial projects in 20
countries and is credited with avoiding 300 major accidents by timely warnings in the real world. Extensive
collaboration with international university researchers and industrial colleagues, has generated significant
economic, social, and environmental benefits for tunnel and underground engineering community.
Deep Underground Type 0-90° Continuous Conveyor Equipment, China
The 0-90° continuous conveying equipment continuously and efficiently
transports TBM excavated material along tunnels and up inclined or vertical
shafts to the surface. The horizontal transportation system uses a common
flat belt to convey soil to the bottom of the inclined or vertical shaft while
the 0-90° lifting system is usually a corrugated edge conveyor belt that
changes direction through various rollers, forming a closed circular
structure with continuous rotation. The continuous conveyor equipment effectively solves the problem of
rapid vertical transportation of excavated material from shield tunnel headings to improve the efficiency and
safety of muck handling and discharge. The operating speed of the conveyor belt can be automatically
adjusted based on the amount of excavated material produced and the control system is equipped with
functions such as leakage protection, overload protection, and no-load protection to ensure the safe
operation of the vertical lifting system. Compared with traditional spoil removal methods, the deep
underground type 0-90° continuous conveyor transportation equipment increased excavation efficiency by
33% and reduced energy consumption by about 30%.
SOGUN: Geometric Control System for Shotcreting and Other Tunnelling Works,
Spain
Developed by the R&D Department of Spanish contractor Dragados, SOGUN is a
compact unit whose functionality signifies an advancement in tunnel construction
technology, particularly in shotcrete applications. In an automated process,
SOGUN scans the tunnel in 3D with an integrated LiDAR to generate a surface point
cloud. This data is compared to the pre-loaded theoretical surface and an image is
projected on the tunnel wall, indicating areas of excess or missing concrete
thickness. This process is completed in under a minute, far quicker than the
traditional spray-painting method. The shotcrete operator then needs only to look
at the tunnel to understand the task to be performed as displayed in areas of
different colours according to numerical information about the difference between
the actual and the theoretical tunnel surfaces. Additional applications include determining over- or underexcavation and checking the tunnel’s dynamic gauge to detect clashing areas with the tunnel surface. SOGUN
enhances productivity, reduces costs, and minimizes workers’ risks, introducing superior quality finishes, as
well as promoting sustainability by optimizing material usage, reducing waste, and leading to a lower
environmental footprint.
Awards 2024_Fiamlists 2024 16/09/2024 2
Ultra-Small Turning Radius Hard Rock TBM, China
The horizontal turning radius of a conventional TBM is about 300-
500m. However, the 4km route of the 3.53m diameter drainage
corridors from the first layer to the fourth layer for the Jinyun Pumped
Storage Power Station in Zhejiang Province, required a TBM with a
turning radius of less than 30m, about 10 times the tunnel diameter. A
TBM for the purpose was designed and developed by CREG, China
Railway Engineering Equipment Group, and was launched in November
- After boring 22 sections with a turning radius of 30m, it achieved maximum monthly advance rates of
660.5m and a maximum daily advance rate of 38.38m. In December 2022, the TBM successfully broke
through, realizing the completion of the whole route six months ahead of schedule.
BEYOND ENGINEERING
City Rail Link Goes Beyond in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, New Zealand
The new City Rail Link for Auckland, New Zealand, will transform rail
services in the city. Comprising 3.45km of new twin tunnels connecting
four train stations, the new link will double rail capacity and create exciting
new public spaces. Working beyond engineering, City Rail Link referenced
local history and indigenous Māori culture prioritised a strong partnership
with the indigenous Māori mana whenua tribes, working together on
design, environment and social outcomes. Two new underground stations
are named Karanga-a-Hape and Te Waihorotiu, and two existing stations with Māori names Maungawhau
and Waitematā are redesigned to accommodate new nine-car electric trains are renamed. The EPBM that
excavated twin 1.6km bored tunnels was named in recognition of the Māori rights activist Dame Whina
Cooper.
Eco-friendly Metro Construction for Challenging Coastal Geological Environments, China
The Qingdao Metro Line 6 (Phase I) Project is a demonstration Project
approved by the National Development and Reform Commission that
spans 30.8km with 21 underground stations and about 25km of
connecting running tunnels. The project has successfully developed
and promoted a series of prefabrication and assembly construction
technologies for urban mass transit, making it the metro line with the
largest application scale of such technologies in China. The stations
employ a simple decoration process using fair-faced concrete, and the decoration design in public areas
effectively combines functionality with artistry. This has vigorously advanced the eco-friendly and low-carbon
transformation and upgrading of Qingdao Metro construction. Furthermore, all production and installation
processes have been localized, stimulating an industrial scale worth RMB 1.3 billion.
Awards 2024_Fiamlists 2024 16/09/2024 2
Modern Underground Cemetery – Where Creativity, Sustainability and
Efficiency Meet Tradition, Israel
Enabling the re-use of the space beneath an existing cemetery, the
underground cemetery is a first-of-its-kind, designed, excavated, and
constructed in compliance with the strict requirements of an ultraOrthodox community. Using state-of-the-art design and construction
methods while working within the constraints of the existing urban zoning
and regulations, the underground cemetery revives Jewish burial traditions
that were prevalent more than 2,000 years ago. Planning and construction
of the project solves an acute shortage in burial space while avoiding encroachment on sensitive open space,
providing an environmentally friendly, uncomplicated, sustainable, accessible, cost-effective solution for this
highly regimented community.
Risk Control for Safe Shield Tunnelling Through Complex Strata of the Pearl River
System, China
The 4.76km section of the Guangzhou Metro Line 18 between Shaxi and Shiliugang
Stations in Panyu District runs through highly weathered muddy formations with
the groundwater influenced directly by the Pearl River tidal action creating
frequent water head fluctuations. Significant risk management and control
technology was developed by the project to support the shield TBM drives of the
twin tunnels as they passed under three rivers, beneath three viaducts and more
than 20 buildings, and passing alongside the South China Expressway Viaduct. The
project has established a complete set of stable risk prevention measures and
systems which has controlled the shield tunnel drives greatly reducing various risks
during the construction process.
YOUNG TUNNELLERS OF THE YEAR
Adriano Martoccia, Italy
For seven years since completing his studies as a structural and geotechnical civil
engineer, Adriano Martoccia has been working in the technical department of contractor
Ghella. To date he has worked on several diverse projects in Italy and abroad and is
currently a senior project engineer on the Trento high speed railway project leading a
team setting up for launch of four dual mode TBMs to excavate 20km of twin tunnels.
Advancing projects that drive progress and innovation is his career ambition.
Hanan Samadi, Iran
After graduating from University of Tehran with an MSc in engineering geology,
Hanan Samadi, is advancing her career in a male-dominated industry and in a
fiercely traditional country. Through her pioneering work in machine learning
and artificial intelligence in Iran, Hanan has made tangible differences in the
environment in which tunnelling machines operate.
Luigi D’Angelo, Italy
Currently working as a Project Engineer for Italferr on the Naples-Bari high speed railway,
Luigi D’Angelo is proposing a gradually move to a new role providing support and
coordination to underground projects all over Italy with the aim of helping to standardise
design choices and processes to improve and simplify the productive chain for clients and
all parties involved
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