Viewing tunnel plant in an underground environment lends an unmistakable air of authenticity to a tunnelling show. IUT 99 – the first commercial exhibition to be held in the 3km long Hagerbach test tunnels (VHS) near Sargans, eastern, Switzerland, took place on October 28-30. It followed a smaller, private event in 1995 which commemorated the 25th anniversary of the opening of the tunnels, brainchild of Amberg Consulting Engineers and Swiss Industrial company SIG.
A conference accompanying the exhibition, aimed at German speaking delegates, highlighted tunnelling in the alpine region. Hopefully, when the next event takes place in three years, it will be extended and simultaneous translation will be provided.
The mixed ground conditions in the 2343m high mountain that is home to the test tunnels provide valuable tunnelling conditions for running tests which include drilling, shotcreting, rock anchor-ing, sealing and waterproofing. When companies run out of tunnel, they just move farther into the mountain. There is a laboratory, workshops and a chamber for testing explosives .
Swiss company Murer donated to the underground museum a Robbins 2.6-3.1m diameter TBM, built in 1965, which had served in North America and Europe.
Opinions from the 103 exhibitors and the many delegates were favourable. A spokesman from the Aliva Division of Sika Equipment, summed them up: “The atmos-phere, organisation, participants – all were excellent.This has been the best exhibition this year, and it’s a pity it will be held only every three years.”
Visit the VHS website at: www.vsh-ag.ch
