High and Deep Andean Tunnel Tests a Contractor's Mettle
By C.J. Schexnayder

Brazilian construction giant Construtora Norberto Odebrecht S.A. has taken on a difficult construction challenge - drilling an 11.2-kilometer tunnel through a mountain more than 2,400 meters high in Central Ecuador. A pair roof collapses late last year trapped an $11.2-million tunnel boring machine requiring several months to rescue and get the project back on track.
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The TBM was originally built by WIRTH in 1999 and was previously used for the excavation of 9.3 km Ginori Tunnel in central Italy. It was rebuilt by the Italian company SELI to Odebrecht's specifications for the San Francisco project. SELI also continues to supply the specialized technicians for the operation of TBM. (Photo courtesy of Odebrecht)
 
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