Overcoming
Underground
Documentary Series 12x24 min
Documentary Series 12x24 min
The first proposal to tunnel under the English Channel was put forward by a Frenchman in 1802. It would have had illumination from oil lamps, horse-drawn coaches, and an artificial island mid-Channel for changing horses.
Today, the world of mechanized tunnelling is a highly developed industry. However, it is more closely tied to its earlier achievements than ever before. On the one hand, many projects offer the opportunity to use standardized machines and designs, on the other hand, modern projects also require ingenuity and forward-looking solutions.
Europe's tunnel builders are pioneers in every aspect of this incredibly exciting field, and at the same time forward-looking industry.
In this series, Austrian tunnel specialist Andi Wimmer offers a unique insight into this crazy world, drawing on the
expertise he gained from running his family's boring machine business.
Using him and his daily work as a starting point, we follow politicians, tunnel builders, heavy equipment specialists, activists and various others,showing all the forces that push and pull on tunnel endeavors.
With projects all over Europe, and possibly the world, we want to shed light on the intensity and massive importance of the art of planning, building and operating tunnels.
Everyone has a vital role to play in shaping the tunnel landscape, from the leaders who must reach agreement in the midst of political turbulence, to the intense work of tunnel workers, from the aspirations of local opinion
leaders to the efforts of environmental activists. The world must work together to make tunnels a reality.
Rarely does any human endeavor require so much understanding and communication - and so many different skills.
The tunneling industry is full of unique characters. Besides Andi, we meet guys like Dr Robert Galler, who teaches us the basics of tunnelling - and the beauty of explosions; tunnel workers like Toni, who sometimes finds
the outside world a bit much and prefers to spend his life inside a mountain; project manager Sandra, who keeps everyone on their toes - and struggles to keep it all together.
lt is a maddening task, as there are as many unforeseen circumstances in tunnelling as there are rocks to cut through.
We experience the dedication and sacrifice of these characters - and the huge impact on their social systems.
Overcoming, Underground is a completely fresh look at the world of
tunnelling. lt's zooming in on the details - to see the big picture.
Opener
- A captivating teaser with breathtaking aerial views and underground shots of European landscapes and tunnels to set the tone. Drones flying into tunnels, through people working, big machienery, bridging the above ground with the underground.
Introduction ANDI - EXAMPLE
Andi Wimmer takes us to a meeting on a construction sight, there are problems with one of his Hydraulic excavator.
The Ancient Underground
We explore the history of subterranean tunnels in Europe, dating back to ancient times. Bringt the topics in relation to our story.
Examples:
- Spotlight on Rome's catacombs, their purpose, and significance.
- Highlight the Celtic underground tunnels in France and Ireland, revealing their mysterious purpose.
The Engineering Marvels
Highlights remarkable engineering feats, showcasing the techniques and innovations used in tunnel engineering across Europe and highlight whats key for this Episodes featured tunnels, their excavation methods and tools.
Examples:
-The Channel Tunnel between the UK and France. what learnings and methods are now being used in the construction of the Brenner Base tunnel.
- Examine the construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland, the longest and deepest rail tunnel in the world and apply it's construction learnings to the development of the Euralpin project.
Exploring the world of Tunnel construction, topics to explore
The planning phase of a new project, can take several years and involves various aspects like obtaining permits, conducting surveys, and developing safety and recycling concepts.
-The Innovative approaches to projects in urban areas and underwater require new ideas and technologies. Tenders for implementing such projects are highly detailed and competitive, often involving companies forming consortia and bidding jointly. The selection of the winning bid depends on various parameters. -The construction site requires specific equipment and precautions based on the type of tunnel construction. This includes setting up a cement plant, material logistics, and creating storage areas and container villages.
-There are two main methods of tunnel construction: conventional and TBMs. The conventional method involves using explosives and state-of-the-art machines like drilling jumbos, tunnel excavators, and shotcrete robots. TBMs, also known as moles, are the most modern tunnel boring machines, specifically designed for hard rock and difficult-to-excavate loose rock.
-The Underground - A team of construction technicians works on the excavation in the tunnel face, the unsecured area of the tunnel bore. Faced with new challenges every day. From geological surprises, to water outbursts and technical problems, they approach the task with humor and a certain "tunnel chill". And there has only recently been official training for this!
Conclusion and outlook
- End on a captivating note, leaving the audience with a sense of wonder and curiosity for the next episode.
Closing Credits
- Display contact information for viewers to provide feedback & learn more about the topic.
-Credits
CEO Wimmer International.
For three decades, the Wimmer family business has excelled in quick coupler systems and top-notch attachments for hydraulic excavators. This Austrian company specializes in earthmoving, tunnel construction, quarrying, demolition, and recycling. Managed by Andreas Wimmer, the second-generation leader, who is a dedicated engineer with a fervor for tunnel construction. His insights are fascinating and with his chill and kind demeanor he is the perfect host for this show.
Professor for Geotechnics and Underground Constructions.
Robert Galler is a professor at the University of Leoben in Austria and the head of the large underground research, development, training and education center and Education Center ZaB - Zentrum am Berg. He has worked as a consulting engineer on several major international projects and was project manager for the tender design of several tunnel projects along the northern access route to the Brenner Base Tunnel. He is considered the Austrian luminary in global tunneling and is often referred to as the "Master of Teaching".