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 back of the TBM approximately 8 kilometers along the tunnel route. At its deepest depth, the tunnel lies under more than 900 meters of earth limiting ability to obtain detailed information about the material it is boring through. (Photo by C.J. Schexnayder)
 
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