In Genoa, Italy, the esteemed ITA Tunnelling Awards commemorated their tenth anniversary, honouring outstanding accomplishments in underground engineering worldwide. Brunel Trophies were given in recognition of projects, inventions, and people influencing the development of infrastructure and cities.
The 10th edition of the ITA Tunnelling and Underground Space Awards concluded on November 28, 2024, in Genoa, Italy, celebrating outstanding achievements in the tunnelling and underground construction industry. The event recognized exceptional projects, innovations, and professionals across seven categories
Major Project of the Year (over €500 million): Thames Tideway Tunnel – London’s New Super Sewer (United Kingdom) This project addresses the issue of untreated sewage discharges into the River Thames by constructing a 25 km tunnel to enhance the city’s sewer capacity, significantly improving water quality and environmental health.
As part of the Brenner Base Tunnel, this lot involves complex tunnelling through challenging geological conditions, contributing to a vital trans-European transport network by connecting Austria and Italy. Manfreida Tunnel Renovation Project (Italy)
Technical Innovation of the Year: Disc Cutter Wear Sensor Package and TBM Monitoring System The project revitalized the Manfreida Tunnel, enhancing safety and extending its operational life, showcasing effective techniques in tunnel rehabilitation.
Beyond Engineering – Making Underground Works Projects Even Better: Modern Underground Cemetery – When Creativity, Sustainability, and Efficiency Meet Tradition (Israel) This project integrates modern design with traditional burial practices, creating sustainable underground cemetery spaces that address land scarcity and cultural considerations.
Product/Equipment Innovation of the Year: Ultra-Small Turning Radius Hard Rock TBM (China) Developed to navigate tight curves in hard rock conditions, this TBM innovation enhances flexibility and applicability in complex urban Monitoring environments.
Young Tunneller of the Year: Luigi D’Angelo Recognized for his contributions to tunnelling projects and advancements in underground engineering practices. The ITA Tunnelling Awards continue to highlight global excellence in underground construction, fostering innovation and recognizing significant contributions.
The year’s biggest project (€500 million+) Gold: London’s Super Sewer, the Thames Tideway, UK Silver: New York, USA’s Grand Central Madison (East Side Access) China’s Single-bore Double-deck Municipal Motorway Tunnel came in fourth place. Bronze went to Thomson-East Coast Line Contracts T222 to T310, Singapore.
The year’s best project (€50–€500 million) Gold: Lot H52 Hochstegen, Austria, Brenner Base Tunnel Silver: Brenner Base Tunnel, Italy’s Lot H71, Isarco River Underpass French Saint-Martin-la-Porte Exploratory Tunnel, Lyon-Turin, bronze
Musaimeer Pump Station and Outfall Project, Qatar, came in fourth.
Year-End Renovation Project Gold Renovation of the Manfreida Road Tunnel in Italy
Silver: Heinenoord Immersed Tube Road Tunnel Renovation, Netherlands Bronze Italy’s Upgrade of Genoa Railway Junction Capacity
Goods/Equipment Year-End Innovation SOGUN Geometric Control System, Spain, in silve Gold Hard Rock TBM, China, Ultra-Small Turning Radius This innovation introduces a sensor system to monitor disc cutter wear in Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), optimizing maintenance schedules and improving operational efficiency.
SOGUN Geometric Control System, Spain, in silver Bronze China’s Comprehensive Hybrid Wireless Sensor Network System Type 0-90° Continuous Conveyor underground engineering practices Equipment, China, came in fourth.
Year-End Technical Innovation Gold TBM Monitoring System and Disc Cutter Wear Sensor Package, South Korea Italy’s MIRET-Tunnel AI is the silver Silver Italy’s Advanced Tunnelling Assistance System
Exceeding Engineering
Gold Israel’s Contemporary Underground Cemetery Silver Auckland, New Zealand’s Tāmaki Makaurau City Rail Link Bronze Sustainable Metro Development in China’s Coastal Geological Environments Fourth Place China’s Pearl River System’s Safe Shield Tunnelling Risk Control
Tunneller of the Year, Young Gold Italy’s Luigi D’Angelo (34) Silver Iran’s Hanan Samadi (28) Bronze Italy’s Adriano Martoccia (33) The winners are the epitome of quality and creativity in developing tunnelling and subterranean infrastructure across the globe.
Group Media Publication
Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
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