Articles and News
SELI Overseas: New breakthrough on Line 4 of the Cairo Metro
The TBM, for which SELI Overseas provided technical assistance, entered the El Remaya station after completing 781 meters of tunneling in one of the most complex sections of the entire project.
SELI Overseas completes key 10-day retrofit for TBM “Kathrin” on Fortezza-Ponte Gardena line
SELI Overseas, a Webuild Group company specializing in mechanized excavation, has successfully completed a strategic reconfiguration of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) “Kathrin” in just ten days. The machine is currently deployed on the Fortezza-Ponte Gardena section, part of the Fortezza-Verona railway quadruplication project. This crucial operation will allow the TBM to navigate a stretch of highly challenging ground conditions, ensuring that excavation work continues without interruption.
SELI Overseas to lead TBM excavations for Webuild group projects in Romania and Italy on the Salerno-Reggio Calabria High-Speed railway
SELI Overseas, a Webuild Group company specialized in mechanized excavation, is consolidating its operational footprint with new contracts for TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) management on two major infrastructure projects led by the Group in Romania and Italy. The company has been entrusted with the full management of the excavation cycle, spanning from machine assembly and commissioning to final dismantling.
SELI Overseas (Webuild Group): Completion of Excavation of the Forza d’Agrò Tunnel, a Key Infrastructure for the Advancement of the Taormina/Letojanni–Giampilieri Section on the Messina–Catania High-Capacity Railway Corridor
The TBM “Alessia”, operated by SELI Overseas (Webuild Group), has reached and broken through the final diaphragm of the Forza d’Agrò tunnel, completing an excavation of approximately 2.5 kilometres in one of the most geologically complex settings along the entire Messina–Catania high-capacity corridor. The project is an integral part of the Taormina/Letojanni–Giampilieri section, which the consortium led by Webuild is constructing on behalf of RFI (Gruppo FS Italiane).
SELI OVERSEAS (WEBUILD GROUP): TBM “LIGEA” LAUNCHED FOR THE NEW SALERNO–REGGIO CALABRIA HIGH-SPEED LINE
Excavation has begun on three new tunnels on Lot 1A of the Salerno–Reggio Calabria high-speed/high-capacity railway line, being built by Webuild on behalf of RFI (FS Italiane Group). SELI Overseas, a company of the Webuild Group, is engaged in the assembly and commissioning activities of the TBM Ligea, which is playing a leading role in the construction of the Piano Grasso tunnel, over 2.2 km long, with a single bore and double track, and will then continue with the Contursi tunnel.
The EPB (Earth Pressure Balance) TBM Ligea, with an excavation diameter of 13.4 metres, is the largest—together with Leucosia and Partenope—operating in Europe within the Webuild Group. The names of these three giant tunnel boring machines were chosen through a public contest and evoke the myth of the Sirens who lived on the rocks of the Gulf of Salerno.
With the launch of the new TBMs, all four tunnel boring machines deployed by Webuild for the construction of this strategic project are now operational (the fourth is Mireille). The project is part of the Scandinavian–Mediterranean Corridor of the TEN-T network and is designed to improve connectivity between Southern and Northern Italy and with the rest of Europe.
Within the scope of this project, SELI Overseas operates in support of the Xenia Consortium, led by Webuild. The start-up excavation operations will allow completion of the assembly of the TBM back-up gantries and the connection of the external conveyor belts to the muck disposal basins, achieving the final excavation configuration, which will then proceed continuously up to the breakthrough point.
With 75 years of experience in mechanized tunnelling and having joined the Webuild Group in 2021, SELI Overseas confirms its know-how in the management of large-diameter TBMs, contributing to the construction of one of the most important infrastructures for sustainable mobility in Italy. As part of the Salerno–Reggio Calabria high-speed/high-capacity project, SELI Overseas is also a partner of Webuild in the construction of the Cosenza–Paola/San Lucido doubling, whose main work will be the new Santomarco Tunnel, over 15 km long.
WEBUILD: SELI OVERSEAS CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN TUNNELING, INNOVATION AND SAFETY THAT HAVE REWRITTEN THE HISTORY OF UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURE
AN EXPERTISE THAT STRENGTHENS THE GROUP’S GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN A KEY SECTOR FOR DEVELOPPING HIGH-DENSITY URBAN AREAS
– More than 846 kilometres of tunnels excavated in 32 countries by SELI Overseas, with approximately 900 people employed today
– Unique expertise to tackle the most complex underground challenges: from major ongoing Italian railway projects (Terzo Valico dei Giovi, Salerno-Reggio Calabria High-Speed Rail, Palermo–Catania–Messina High-Capacity Line) to major completed urban works, such as Cityringen in Copenhagen
– Growing demand for tunneling for integrated and sustainable infrastructure strengthens SELI Overseas’ role in the global market
SELI Overseas, a Webuild Group company, celebrates its 75th anniversary on the day of Saint Barbara, patron saint of miners and those who work underground. This moment tells a story of innovation and safety in the tunnelling sector on a global scale. It began in 1950 with the vision of engineer Carlo Grandori, who brought technology to construction processes, while drastically reducing accidents in tunnel construction.
From then on, SELI Overseas would transform tunnelling into an engineering art, introducing pioneering solutions such as the double-shield tunnel-boring machine (TBM) in the 1970s to tackle the most complex geological conditions – a technology that enabled mechanised excavation in challenging terrains. Today, with more than 846 kilometres of tunnels excavated in 32 countries – for a total of about 100 tunnels on five continents – SELI Overseas stands for technical excellence and continuous innovation for the Webuild Group and for numerous other clients worldwide. Since 2021, the company has been part of the Webuild Group, contributing to a century-long history of successful companies in Italy and worldwide that have combined their expertise to create Webuild today, a global leader in large infrastructure.
SELI Overseas’ expertise has been and continues to be decisive in highly complex urban projects. Cityringen in Copenhagen, and a tunnel with a diameter of more than 13 metres in the densely populated centre of Łódź, Poland, are examples of projects carried out in challenging urban contexts. In Egypt, there is a metro line just steps from the Pyramids of Giza that required bespoke engineering solutions to protect this heritage above ground.
In Italy, SELI Overseas’ know-how is strategic in Webuild’s most important railway construction sites, supporting the Group in managing TBMs with advanced technologies such as Continuous Mining and Dual Mode, which optimise safety and the pace of work. SELI Overseas is also at the forefront of building the Valico Tunnel, part of the Terzo Valico dei Giovi–Genoa Junction project, which is Italy’s longest underground railway tunnel. With safety protocols, it is overseeing major challenges such as the Sestri/Voltaggio fault line and the presence of natural gas. The company also operates at strategic work sites for the Palermo–Catania–Messina high-capacity railway, and the Salerno–Reggio Calabria high-speed line, deploying next-generation Dual Mode TBMs to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Looking ahead, the growing demand for tunnelling, driven by the need to develop integrated and sustainable infrastructure in densely populated urban areas, strengthens SELI Overseas’ role internationally in sectors ranging from sustainable mobility to hydraulic projects. Its investments in green TBMs, predictive digital systems, and automation to reduce risks and emissions further confirms its position as a global centre of excellence within the Webuild Group.
SELI OVERSEAS (WEBUILD GROUP): TBM PASSAGE UNDER THE GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM ON CAIRO METRO LINE 4 SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED
One of the most critical phases of the Cairo Metro Line 4 project has been completed: the passage of the TBM under the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the largest Egyptian museum in the world, inaugurated just as the large mechanical tunnel boring machine under-passing through the area.
SELI Overseas, a Webuild Group company specializing in tunnelling and mechanized excavation, is PETROJET’s technical partner for the construction of a key section of this project, which is one of the most strategic infrastructures for sustainable mobility in the Egyptian capital.
The large mechanical tunnel boring machine – a “Slurry” TBM with 6.73 meters of excavation diameter – has already excavated approximately 3,500 meters of the planned 5,295 meters, operating under particularly challenging conditions. The route features a challenging geometry, with tight curves with radius between 322 and 400 meters and passes through a residential urban area. Among the most delicate challenges is the passage beneath the GEM: here, the available vertical clearance is less than 1.5 times the TBM’s diameter, meaning the tunnel boring machine is excavating for a section only approximately 9 meters below road level.
The TBM is operated by PETROJET, part of the local consortium, with technical support from SELI Overseas, which provides engineering services, equipment assembly, and excavation assistance.
Through SELI Overseas, the Webuild Group continues a tradition of innovation and expertise in the tunneling sector.
Webuild, which boasts a track record that includes the excavation of approximately 3,500 km of tunnels, is currently working with SELI Overseas on some of the most complex underground infrastructure projects underway in Italy, including the Fortezza-Ponte Gardena high-speed railways line and Lot 1A Battipaglia-Romagnano of the Salerno-Reggio Calabria high-speed railways line, currently underway, and the recently awarded Paola-Cosenza doubling of the Salerno-Reggio Calabria high-speed railways line, which includes the 15 km long of Santomarco Tunnel as its main project.
AV SALERNO–REGGIO CALABRIA: PUBLIC CONTEST LAUNCHED TO NAME TWO GIANT TBMs THAT WILL EXCAVATE ON THE FIRST SECTION OF THE PROJECT
SELI (WEBUILD GROUP) IS ASSEMBLING ONE OF THE TWO TBM MEGAMACHINES FEATURED IN THE CONTEST
SELI (Webuild Group) is currently overseeing the assembly of one of the two large TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines) for which a public contest has been launched, inviting citizens to choose their names. The two TBMs will be used on Section 1A of the Salerno–Reggio Calabria High-Speed Line and are the largest machines of their kind currently in operation by the Webuild Group in Europe.
To take part in the contest, users can visit the website tbmnamechallenge.salernoreggiocalabria.it, which will remain active until the 7 November, and vote between two pairs of names, as tradition dictates, strictly female: Leucosia and Ligea, inspired by the sirens of Greek mythology connected to the Bay of Salerno, or Elvira and Olga, in tribute to two Salerno-born artists: Elvira Notari, a pioneer of Italian cinema, and Olga Schiavo, painter and ceramist.
The most voted name in the initiative “Name the Giants” will be announced on 12 November through Webuild’s official social media channels.
Section 1A, awarded to the consortium led by Webuild and formed by Pizzarotti, Ghella and Tunnel Pro, on behalf of RFI (Italian State Railways Group), includes the construction of 35 km of high-speed railway line between Battipaglia and Romagnano, and involves the construction of 20 tunnels, including 8 to be excavated using four TBMs, and 19 viaducts.
As part of this project, SELI, a reference operator in the mechanized tunneling sector, is responsible for the assembly of one of the TBMs featured in the contest.
SELI – Webuild Group: Completion of the excavation of the “Forch Adit Tunnel,” part of the Fortezza–Ponte Gardena railway line.
A strategic project for the enhancement of the transalpine rail connection system of the Brenner Base Tunnel
SELI, a company of the Webuild Group specialized in mechanized tunneling, has completed the excavation of the Forch Adit Tunnel, a strategic tunnel within Lot 1 of the Fortezza–Ponte Gardena railway line. This sustainable mobility project, commissioned by RFI (Italian Railway Network – part of the FS Italiane Group), is designed to strengthen the transalpine railway connection system of the Brenner Base Tunnel. The project is part of the broader plan to quadruple the Munich–Verona section, a key segment of the Scandinavian–Mediterranean Corridor of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).
Within Lot 1 of the Fortezza–Ponte Gardena project, SELI is responsible for operating no.2 of the no.4 TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines) used for mechanized excavation, acting as Subcontractor for the Consortium led by Webuild.
The Forch Adit Tunnel, with a total length of 1,298 meters, was entirely excavated using an EPB-type (Earth Pressure Balance) TBM — a technology that maintains ground pressure balance during excavation, ensuring maximum face stability and operational safety. The tunnel alignment required the undercrossing of major local infrastructures, including the SS12 state road, the A22 Brenner Motorway, and the historic Brenner railway line. The works were executed in a geologically complex area at shallow depth, posing a significant technical challenge.
The TBM used, features a cutterhead with a diameter of 11.5 meters and, in full configuration, extends approximately 120 meters in length with a total weight exceeding 2,000 tons.
Innovation and sustainability are at the core of SELI’s approach: the Forch Adit Tunnel is the first tunnel in Italy to adopt a lining system made of precast fiber-reinforced concrete segments — an advanced solution that ensures higher strength, durability, and overall structural safety.
The completion of the excavation marks a significant step forward in the modernization of transalpine rail connections and contributes to the development of a more sustainable and integrated European transport network.
SELI Overseas (Webuild Group) in the Consortium led by Webuild for the Construction of the New Santomarco Tunnel on the Salerno–Reggio Calabria High-Speed Line
SELI Overseas (Webuild Group) is part of the consortium, led by Webuild, that has been awarded the contract worth a total of €1.6 billion for the “Paola–Cosenza Double-Tracking” on the new Salerno–Reggio Calabria High-Speed Railway Line. The project, commissioned by RFI (Italian State Railways Group), involves the construction of approximately 22.2 km of new infrastructure in Calabria, almost entirely underground.
The central element of the project is the construction of the new Santomarco Tunnel, over 15 km in length, which will run approximately 100 metres from the existing single-track tunnel, which will be decommissioned once the works are completed.
The new tunnel, designed as a twin-tube configuration with one track per tube, will be excavated using four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), a technology in which SELI Overseas has long-standing and internationally recognized expertise.
As a member of the consortium, SELI Overseas will contribute to the excavation works carried out with TBMs, deploying its specialized know-how in mechanized tunneling.
The Santomarco Tunnel project will significantly improve the capacity and efficiency of rail links between the Tyrrhenian coast and the inland areas of Calabria, enhancing access to the city of Cosenza and strengthening the freight axis Bari–Taranto–Gioia Tauro.
This project represents a key element in the development of the new Salerno–Reggio Calabria High-Speed Line and is part of the Scandinavian–Mediterranean corridor of the TEN-T network, a strategic infrastructure that connects Southern Italy with Northern Europe, supporting the economic and social development of the Mezzogiorno.
SELI – Gruppo Webuild: TBM Kathrin completes the undercrossing of the Brenner Motorway in the Funes Adit Tunnel
A strategic gallery for the future Fortezza–Ponte Gardena railway line, designed to strengthen the connection system of the Brenner Base Tunnel
SELI, a company of the Webuild Group specialized in mechanized tunneling, has completed with TBM Kathrin the excavation of the tunnel section beneath the A22 Brenner Motorway. The excavation of the Funes Adit Tunnel is part of Lot 1 of the Fortezza–Ponte Gardena railway line, a key segment of the quadrupling of the Munich–Verona axis within the Scandinavian–Mediterranean Corridor of the TEN-T network. The project will enhance the railway connection system of the future Brenner Base Tunnel.
The project, commissioned by RFI (part of the Italian State Railways Group), is being executed by a consortium led by Webuild, with SELI engaged as subcontractor for mechanized tunneling activities.
The Funes Adit Tunnel, together with the Gardena Tunnel and the interconnection galleries, extends for a total of 8,648 meters along the even track and 7,485 meters along the odd track.
Excavation was carried out using an EPB-type (Earth Pressure Balance) TBM, a technology that maintains the balance of ground pressure during advancement, ensuring maximum face stability and operational safety in complex geological conditions or when working at shallow depths.
The TBM, named Kathrin after a young resident of a local farmhouse — symbolizing the bond between the community and the infrastructure that will reshape the future of regional mobility — is equipped with a cutterhead of 9.68 meters in diameter. At this stage, the TBM body and shield advance with only two backup gantries, but once in full configuration, the machine will reach a total length of 144 meters. Its total weight amounts to 2,000 tons.
The TBM is a “green” model equipped with an advanced excavation system known as continuous mining — a conventional cyclical process for simultaneous excavation and lining ring installation — which enhances operational efficiency during construction, while significantly reducing energy consumption, environmental impact, and excavation time. It also ensures optimal compatibility with the geological conditions of the site.
The completion of the A22 undercrossing represents a major technical milestone, enabling the continuation of subsequent excavation phases as the TBM advances toward the main line tunnels.
High Speed railway Messina – Sciglio & Forza D’Agro’ Pj
Exciting progress at the Forza D’Agrò site! The TBM shields assembly is underway, marking a significant milestone in the Giampilieri-Fiumefreddo Lot 2 subcontract for the Consortium Messina Catania (JV Webuild-Pizzarotti).
This ambitious project involves the excavation of twin tunnels for Forza D’Agrò and Letojanni, spanning almost 13 km and including a passage over the Fondaco Parrino viaduct. The specially designed EPB TBM, with a 9.32-meter boring diameter, is part of the cutting-edge “Green” generation and is powered by high-efficiency PMSM motors on the main drive – a first in the industry.
This is a key step toward enhancing connectivity between Messina and Catania through state-of-the-art high-speed railway infrastructure.
High Speed Messina Catania-Sciglio and Forza D’Agrò Lettojanni
On April 9th the first Green Dual Mode TBM began excavating the even track of the 9,16 km long Sciglio Twin Tunnel project, part of the construction works for the Messina Catania new railway line, Lot 2. This TBM will excavate in sequence the even and odd truck twin tunnels for a total of 18,3 km.
Algeri
Seli Overseas celebrated the breakthrough of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) at the end of it’s underground journey spanning approximately 9.55 kilometers and passing through 9 stations, contributing to the connection between Houari Boumédiéne Airport and the existing El Harrach station.
The TBM, named Karima, made the breakthrough to reach shaft PV0 in the presence of representatives from Seli Overseas, the Algerian Minister of Transport, the contracting authority Cosider M28, and the client EMA.
Since commencing operations, the TBM has achieved a maximum daily production rate of 30,27 meters and a maximum monthly production rate of 600.45 meters in just 31 days.
Lonato Tunnel Project
AV/AC Torino-Venezia Road Section: Milano-Verona Lot: Brescia est – Verona. On February 28st, the TBM Martina completed the second drive with the final breakthrough of the Lonato Tunnel. This is the critical work this for the completion of the Milan-Verona section of the new High Speed Railway line connecting the city of Turin with Venice. The Lonato tunnel includes two tubes of 4.8 km each and the related completion works. The project was awarded to SELI Overseas, a Webuild Group company, by the Concessionaire, Cepav 2, and has been excavated by a 10 m diameter EPB TBM with an average production of 16 m/day. This result is particularly relevant when considering that it was obtained in a complex geology, predominantly glacial moraines with boulders embedded in materials with low cohesion under shallow covers. The important achievement testifies the experience and specialization of SELI Overseas in mechanized tunnelling, which is unequaled in the world A last effort now remains to complete the ancillary works, connecting tunnels and niches, to deliver the finished work within the contract time limits.
COCIV – Radimero Gallery
In the construction site of the Radimero tunnel, a critical work for the realization of the project of the Third Railway Pass of the new Milan-Genoa line, the second TBM modified was started to allow the safe advancement in formations in which the presence of asbestos is locally expected. The start of the second TBM follows a positive test period with the first TBM used in the project, which allowed to test and fine-tune equipment and procedures. This is a pilot application in the world for this type of technology.
Algiers Metro – Line 1 – First puncture
SELI Overseas drilled the first station of the Line 1 project of the Algiers Metro. The 10.5 m TBM CREG TBM exceeded expectations on this first trip. SELI Overseas is continuing in its extraordinary effort to keep all its projects safe despite the COVID emergency still hitting hard in most countries. Special thanks go to the company’s staff and workers who made this first result possible. Finally, it should be noted the efficient collaboration with the Algerian company Cosider, general contractor for the entire metro line.
COCIV – Serravalle Tunnel
SELI Overseas completes the excavation of the first of the two tubes of the Serravalle tunnel, a critical work of the Terzo Valico railway project that will connect Genoa and its port with Milan and Europe. To carry out the work, EPB TBM excavation technology was used in geological areas at and beyond the normal limits of application. This required a great deal of industrial craftsmanship in the most critical steps, a skill for which SELI Overseas and its specialists are world- renowned.
New award
SELI Overseas signs a contract with Concessionaire Cepav 2 for the Lonato tunnel, a critical work on the Brescia-Verona high-speed railway line. The contract, worth more than €200 million, concerns the building of a twin-tube tunnel with a diameter of 10 m and a total length of 9,500 m (2×4,750) to be carried out using EPB TBMs. This new contract is in addition to the three high-speed tunnel contracts that SELI Overseas has in place for the construction of the Terzo Valico with the Concessionaire Cociv, and confirms SELI Overseas as the leading specialised company in Italy and worldwide in the construction of tunnels using mechanised excavation.
New award
The tender for the CEPAV DUE consortium for the mechanised excavation of the “Lonato Tunnel” was won by Seli Overseas. The tunnel, almost 5 km long, is the most challenging work on the new Brescia East-Verona high-speed/high-capacity railway line.
COVID-19 emergency
SELI Overseas, which has been at the forefront of worker health and safety for 70 years, is committed to the prevention of Coronavirus infection on its sites and in the areas where it operates, giving this goal top priority over all output-related and economic considerations.
Algeria Underground – Algeria – Progress of works
The cutter head has been mounted. The TBM is almost ready to begin excavation.
Berger Point – New York – USA
The excavation phase with the TBM in its temporary configuration (pipe jacking) of the Bergen Outfall Tunnel was successfully completed. During the 130 m section, 10.5 m of daily progress was achieved.
Berger Point – New York – USA
Naming ceremony for the JV OHL-POSILLICO-SELI OVERSEAS’s Mixshield TBM which will be used for the excavation of the tunnel under the Great South Bay as part of the $187 million project in New York State.
Berger Point – New York – USA
On 29 July, Seli Overseas, together with its joint venture partners, began assembly operations of the TBM supplied by Herrenkencht for the excavation of the Outfall Replacement Tunnel in Babylon, New York. The TBM is scheduled to be lowered into the excavated shaft using the freezing technique and operations for pipe jacking, with operations to commence in the second week of August.
COCIV
The Herrenknecht S-979 TBM on the Radimero lot was re-started, bringing to four the number of TBMs operated by SELI Overseas for the construction of the Terzo Valico dei Giovi of the new Milan-Genoa line.
COCIV
SELI Overseas acquires a 58% stake in the Radimero project (Terzo Valico dei Giovi) from Toto Costruzioni Spa, increasing its stake in this important contract worth €183 million and involving two 10 m diameter EPB TBMs.
COCIV
The excavation of the Finestra Val Lemme connection chamber was restarted after SELI Overseas took over the project.
TBM Inauguration
Inauguration of an EPB TBM measuring 10.5 m in diameter, built by CREG-WIRTH for the Algiers Metro Extension Project of which SELI OVERSEAS is a sub- contractor.
Corporate Communication
Seli Overseas has acquired the tunnel business belonging to Grandi Lavori Fincosit Spa. In addition to the technical and human resources, expertise, experience and track record of works performed, the branch includes approximately €400 million worth of works for the Serravalle and Val Lemme tunnel lots that are part of the HS/HC Milan-Genoa railway line (Terzo Valico). Corporate communication.
Corporate Communication
Please note that, as of 15 October 2018, SELI Overseas S.p.A. is controlled in usufruct by Salini Impregilo via SELI TUNNELING DENMARK ApS. The acquisition of SELI Overseas aims to strengthen the presence and commercial relationships in geographical areas of interest to the Salini-Impregilo Group, as well as acquire technical tunnelling expertise.
Contract Extension – Los Condores Project – Chile
Extension of the technical consultancy contract for excavation with two TBMs (the 1st TBM a double shield, the 2nd TBM a crossover) for the excavation of the adduction tunnel of the Los Condores Hydroelectric Project in Chile. The extension was agreed until July 2019 and for a total value of €700 (total contract value €2,500,000).
Progress of works – Algiers Underground – Algeria
The TBM will be ready at the end of February at the Creg plant. It is expected to be in Algiers by the end of April, ready for assembly to start excavating by 15 July next year.
Progress of works – Bergen Point – New York – USA
Start of freezing of the TBM starting shaft (10.6 m internal diameter, 35 m depth approx.) and inauguration of Herrenknecht TBM.
New award – COCIV – Italy
SELI OVERSEAS, in a temporary grouping of companies with TOTO, was awarded the tender by the COCIV Consortium for the “Cociv HS/HC section – Terzo Valico dei Giovi – Valico Section (Radimero)” project, which consists of the excavation of the Base Tunnels for a total length of about 7.2 km for each tube with two EPB TBMs.
Acquisition of the “Bergen Point WWTP Outfall Replacement” project in New York with a joint venture composed of OHL USA, POSILLICO Civil Inc and SELI OVERSEAS.
The work involves excavating, lining and backfilling the segments with Mixshield TBMs for approximately 4.3 km of tunnel.
SELI Overseas confirms its leadership in mechanised TBM excavation in Laos
On 18 March 2017, SELI Overseas completed the 11.4 km excavation of the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy tunnel in Laos. A Double Shield Universal TBM made by Terratec (Tasmania) measuring 5.84 m in diameter was used to build the tunnel in accordance with SELI Overseas specifications and concept design. The tunnel was completed three months ahead of the contractual schedule with record output exceeding 1,000 metres/month. The tunnel, lined with prefabricated hexagonal elements, is part of the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy hydroelectric plant. This mega project, carried out under an EPC contract (engineering, procurement, construction) by the Korean company SK E&C, will produce energy for Thailand and Laos. The complex geology of the project and the tight completion schedule required SELI Overseas to make use of its 67 years of experience in tunnelling as well as its technicians and specialists, known worldwide as the best teams for mechanised tunnel excavation.
Start of operations – Mosul Dam – Iraq
Underwater inspection operations have begun at the Mosul Dam undersluice works.
Expotunnel
WTC San Francisco
New record
In June 2016, 824,438 metres of tunnel were excavated and lined at the Lao construction site for the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy hydroelectric project. The highest daily peak was 47 meters. The progress reached in June is 5438 metres compared to a total tunnel length of 11,455 metres. This leaves 6,017 metres to go.
End of excavation
On Sunday 1 May 2016, the TBM6 finished excavating the Doha Gold Line project tunnel at the Al Aziziyah portal with a maximum monthly output of 920 m, which can be considered a record for an EPB TBM. This TBM was the last to leave and the first to arrive! Drilling took place two months earlier than planned.
TBM Inauguration
On 12 April 2016, a new double shield TBM was inaugurated at the Terratec plant. The TBM has a diameter of 9.86m and will serve the Vishnugad – Pipalkoti hydroelectric project in India, a 12 km long tunnel. Excavation will begin next July.
New drilling
On 24 February 2016, the TBM6 drilled the Sports City station in Doha in the Gold Line project. 1614 m were excavated in 73 days with an average of 22 m per day.
Brenner Congress
New record for SELI OVERSEAS
On 8 November 2015, SELI OVERSEAS drilled the Al Wabb Station in Doha in the Doha Metro Gold Line Project, achieving a record output of 625 m excavated in one month.
We Build Value
Discover We Build Value, the Webuild Group’s digital magazine, featuring weekly in-depth articles and insights from leading international voices, to keep you up to date on the world of infrastructure.