Brenner Base Tunnel

Major Infrastructure – Construction & Tunneling

Italy

Focus case history: Lot Mules 2.3

The challenge:

The Brenner Base Tunnel is one of Europe’s most complex railway infrastructure projects: a 64 km connection between Fortezza and Innsbruck, developed in an underground environment characterized by high operational complexity and stringent safety requirements.

BTC therefore needed an integrated and reliable system capable of monitoring people and activities inside the tunnel, ensuring continuous communication, promptly managing emergencies and alarms, and monitoring environmental conditions.

The objective was to create a centralized view of what was happening inside the tunnel, enabling a rapid response in case of emergencies and ensuring the safety of all personnel.

Solutions:

Access control »

Control of pedestrian and vehicle access to the construction site through integrated identification technologies (UHF/ISO badges, QR codes and mobile). The system enables access monitoring, authorization management and verification that every person entering the site complies with site safety requirements.

Construction site video surveillance »

CCTV systems installed at site access points and inside the tunnel to enhance the security of strategic areas, access points and sensitive structures on construction sites.

Operator tracking in tunnels »

Active TAGs and RFID gateways to provide real-time information on the number and location of operators inside the tunnel, enabling faster emergency response.

Area- and TAG-based personnel reports
Personnel lists to support emergency evacuation procedures
TAG multi-reading to detect multiple operators simultaneously inside a vehicle entering the tunnel

Mobile communication in tunnels »

GSM coverage throughout the tunnel and UHF radios to ensure continuous communication between operational personnel and the Control Room.

Network (fiber, Wi-Fi, routing) »

Installation and deployment of fiber optic infrastructure throughout the tunnel, providing the network required to connect the different systems and ensure continuous transmission of data and communications.

SOS tunnel box and emergency alarm system »

SOS stations enabling immediate emergency reporting and direct communication with the Control Room:

Real-time alarm activation
Direct communication with the Control Room
Integration with video, tracking and communication systems

Gas and environmental monitoring »

FibroLaser for heat detection and sensors for monitoring gas, smoke and other environmental parameters.

Automatic activation of visual and audible alarms when thresholds are exceeded
Targeted notifications to operators and centralized information management through the platform

Control Room »

All systems converge into a centralized web-based software platform that enables Control Room personnel to:

Monitor the presence and location of operators inside the tunnel in real time
Manage access and authorizations, and monitor critical areas, access points and perimeters
Supervise the network infrastructure, voice communications and devices, including sensors and SOS Boxes
Coordinate interventions and emergencies through a single interface

The Control Room thus becomes the central point for site supervision, with all information available in one environment, allowing personnel to maintain a complete overview of the situation and coordinate emergency responses quickly and effectively.

Results:

The integration of AMESPHERE solutions has enabled BTC to centralize safety management throughout the tunnel, connecting access control, tracking, communications, alarms and environmental monitoring.

The result is an integrated, connected and centralized system that allows BTC to monitor what is happening inside the tunnel in real time and coordinate safety activities more quickly and effectively.