Marraffa in the exceptional transport of two TBMs for the Munich–Verona Corridor
The project is part of the four-track expansion of the Fortezza–Verona High-Speed railway line
Marraffa confirms its leadership in the field of exceptional transport with a new strategic operation for major European infrastructure projects. A long, complex and highly specialized project: let’s take a closer look at what it involved.
Exceptional transport of Tunnel Boring Machines for the Munich–Verona Corridor: what did Marraffa do?
The operation involved the exceptional transport of two TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines), massive mechanical “moles” destined for the excavation of tunnels along the Italian section of the Trans-European Munich–Verona Corridor.
The project is part of the four-track expansion of the Fortezza–Verona High-Speed railway line, a key infrastructure for strengthening transalpine rail connections.
This operation further consolidates the Marraffa brand among the most reliable partners for exceptional transport and heavy lifting operations. In fact, the company had already successfully managed the transport of the TBM “Barbara” to the Varna (BZ) construction site, a machine used to excavate the continuation tunnel of the Brenner Base Tunnel.
Major works for European high-speed rail: our role
The Munich–Verona railway corridor represents a strategic infrastructure for European mobility. As far as the Italian section up to the Brenner Pass is concerned, the project includes the excavation of several tunnels, including those in the Trento area, carried out using large Tunnel Boring Machines.
How TBMs excavate tunnels
TBMs (Tunnel Boring Machines) are machines specifically designed for tunnel excavation. They are often referred to as “mechanical moles” or, technically, full-face boring machines. Unlike traditional methods (such as blasting or excavation with diggers), a TBM performs the entire excavation process in a single, continuous operation.
Here is how they work, explained in three simple points:
- At the front of the machine is the cutting head, a large rotating steel wheel fitted with cutting tools (called cutters). As it rotates, it presses against rock or soil, breaking it up.
- The excavated material (known as muck) does not remain inside the tunnel: it passes through openings in the cutting head and is transported outside via a conveyor belt running along the already excavated tunnel.
- While excavating, the TBM simultaneously builds the tunnel lining. Inside the machine, a mechanical arm places large reinforced concrete segments (voussoirs), forming perfectly aligned rings.
How to transport Tunnel Boring Machines: the Marraffa method
Each TBM consists of more than 80 components, 12 of which are particularly challenging in terms of weight and dimensions. Transporting these elements requires a high level of specialization in exceptional load logistics, as well as detailed technical planning.
Following an in-depth feasibility study, Marraffa’s technical department issued a positive assessment regarding the possibility of carrying out the exceptional transports, defining operational solutions capable of ensuring safety, stability and full respect for existing infrastructure.
One of the main challenges was the handling of exceptional convoys up to 50 metres long and 5 metres wide along extra-urban road networks, which were not designed for vehicles of this size.
The first obstacle was geometric in nature: to allow the convoys to pass, it was necessary to carry out temporary removals, modifications to roundabouts, and adjustments to vertical and horizontal road signage. These interventions made it possible to complete the first stage of the transport, from the Port of Marghera to Padua West.
From Padua West, with authorization from the relevant authorities, the convoys were allowed to continue along the motorway to Bressanone (BZ). Along this stretch, on some bridges, the weight of the convoys exceeded safe limits. To overcome this issue, Marraffa adopted an advanced technical solution: further extending the length of the convoys to better distribute the load across the axles, allowing transit at a controlled speed of approximately 5 km/h, in full compliance with safety regulations.
Exceptional transport for major infrastructure projects: Marraffa’s excellence
This complex exceptional transport of TBMs confirms Marraffa’s role as a key partner for major infrastructure projects, capable of managing highly complex operations thanks to technical expertise, specialized equipment and in-depth knowledge of regulations.
An operation that combines engineering, logistics and strategic vision, making a concrete contribution to the realization of one of Europe’s most important infrastructure projects.