Technology from Uri for Uri
The construction of the new Sisikoner Tunnel as part of the Axen project represents one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Central Switzerland along the national road between Brunnen and Flüelen. Lot 200 of the Sisikoner Tunnel is a key element of the N4 “New Axen Road” project and will significantly improve both road safety and the availability of this important north-south connection.
For the processing of the excavated material, ARGE Tunnel Axenstrasse – Lot 200 is relying on proven Swiss crushing technology from Seedorf: GIPO GISLER POWER AG is supplying two GIPO ST B 1490 stationary jaw crushers for use on the construction site.
Tunnel excavation, particularly drill-and-blast tunnelling as used on the Axen project, generates large quantities of rock material that, in its original size, is unsuitable for transport by conveyor systems. To ensure continuous transportation of the material out of the tunnel, the rock must first be reduced to a suitable grain size. This is where GIPO’s stationary crushing plants come into operation. Processing the excavated material directly within the tunnel reduces transport distances while allowing valuable resources to be utilised efficiently.
Efficient processing of excavated material
The GIPO ST B 1490 has been specifically designed for demanding stationary applications. Its robust construction and high performance enable large quantities of material to be processed economically under challenging conditions. The plant is designed to deliver reliable and consistent performance even during continuous operation.
Requirements for the plant concept
Processing the excavated material required a plant concept combining high throughput with maximum efficiency. This includes a generously dimensioned feed hopper that enables up to 30 m³ of excavated material to be fed directly by dumper. Another key element of the concept is a high-performance pre-screening system, which separates oversize and undersize material before the crushing process. This ensures that only material that actually requires size reduction is fed into the crusher, reducing wear and increasing the overall cost-effectiveness of the plant.
The material is crushed by a jaw crusher with a feed opening of 1,330 x 900 mm. It can reliably reduce material with grain sizes of up to 800 mm to a size suitable for conveyor transport. The plant concept is complemented by conveying technology designed for high availability, ensuring a continuous and trouble-free material flow. With this plant concept, ARGE Tunnel Axenstrasse – Lot 200 has a powerful and economical solution for efficiently processing excavated material and reusing it as a valuable resource.
Forward-looking installation planning
In addition to technical performance, operational reliability and durability were key factors in selecting the plant. Installation was carried out on a “just in time” basis, without intermediate storage on the construction site. A five-day installation window had originally been scheduled. Thanks to optimal conditions on site and forward-looking production and installation planning, however, the first stationary jaw crusher was successfully commissioned after just three days.
The plants will be in operation for 22 and 42 months respectively and will process approximately one million tonnes of excavated material during this period. They therefore form a central part of the material processing operation for the construction of the Sisikoner Tunnel.
Technology from Uri for Uri
The project also holds special significance for GIPO. The Sisikoner Tunnel is a forward-looking infrastructure project being constructed directly in the region where the company has been firmly rooted for decades. GIPO’s involvement in this major project demonstrates that innovative processing technology from Uri is in demand for some of Switzerland’s most challenging infrastructure projects.
