This challenging project involved the construction of seven Direct Pipes and a microtunnel to cross several waterways such as rivers, streams and canals, as well as an archaeological area.
The extensive use of the Direct Pipe technique for this project was motivated by its particular effectiveness in terms of time and cost optimization, while ensuring high construction standards. The characteristics of the Direct Pipe technique are the possibility to operate with a reduced earth cover at the riverbed, reduced construction site dimensions compared to other excavation technologies, the possibility of directly laying the product pipeline without using r.c. casing pipes and a significant reduction in excavation volumes.
No. 7 Direct Pipes in 56″ diameter for a total of approximately 4.000 m, in fine grounds, with vertical curve of radii R= 1.800 m were executed; the Direct Pipe named “Cavo Borromeo” also has a horizontal curve of Ro= 1.500 m.
The microtunnel crossing the A1 motorway has a very small vertical radius of curve R= 800 m with compared to the diameter of the ND56 pipeline.