The Aggregates from Tunnel Muck and their Use as Secondary Raw Material: The Case Study of Turin Underground

Abstract

The muck from a tunnel excavation offers the same use opportunities as natural aggregates, but it is necessary to take into consideration that it has different initial petrographic, physical and mechanical characteristics, influenced by the type of excavation and by the possible presence of additives and/or contaminants. As a consequence different treatment processes should be foreseen depending on the tunnel muck excavated. The case study of Turin underground tunnel muck is an example of a material fairly easy to recover; it is an alluvial soil, however preliminary investigation on soil at different depths by means of diagraphies and a plan of characterization tests of muck can optimize their reuse process, minimizing the costs. Diagraphies of Turin subsoil have been analysed. Two samples of muck of Turin underground tunnel excavated with different technologies have been examined and tested in order to evaluate their reuse and valorisation both in natural condition (after excavation) and after treatment in a self-moving plant. Considerations on Turin underground muck reuse have been drawn.