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 excavation involved digging through layers of granite, gneiss and schists. At least three major faults were identified by the surface studies but their specific location was unknown. (Photo by C.J. Schexnayder)
 
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