High-Speed Naples-Bari: The Dig Using Hyperbaric Pressure Begins

The Project and Its Challenges

In an innovative leap for Italy’s high-speed rail network, hyperbaric excavation technology is being deployed on the Naples-Bari railway line. This cutting-edge technique involves using compressed air to displace water, creating a dry working environment free from the risks associated with traditional cementitious mixtures and chemical additives. This project marks one of the few instances of hyperbaric excavation in Europe, highlighting its significance and the technical prowess required.

The Naples-Cancello section, managed by the Webuild Group for Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), is a pivotal part of this project. The section includes the Casalnuovo artificial tunnel, which extends partially beneath the water table. The constant presence of water at the excavation site presents a formidable challenge, addressed by hyperbaric excavation. This technique employs compressed air to push water out of the work area, ensuring safe and effective construction.

Worker Safety and Operational Efficiency

Hyperbaric excavation necessitates rigorous preparation and specialized skills. Managing groundwater in the Casalnuovo tunnel involves maintaining pressures between 0.3 and 1.2 atmospheres. Workers must adapt to these pressures in a compression chamber, a process that takes about 20 minutes. The chamber can accommodate up to 20 people per shift, facilitating a steady workforce rotation.

The construction site operates continuously, with workers covering 7-hour shifts around the clock. Essential equipment is in place to regulate pressure, manage worker entry, and ensure maximum safety. The hyperbaric excavation technique will be applied along 650 meters of the tunnel, with the site remaining active until the tunnel's completion.

A Transformative Project for Southern Italy

The hyperbaric excavation technique on the Naples-Bari high-speed railway exemplifies sustainable and innovative construction practices. The broader project encompasses 74 kilometers of high-speed line, featuring six tunnels, ten viaducts, and six new stations and stops. The Webuild Group employs over 1,700 people and collaborates with approximately 1,500 companies to execute this monumental task.

Once completed, the Naples-Bari line will enable trains to travel at speeds up to 250 km/h, significantly reducing travel times. The journey from Naples to Bari will be cut to two hours from the current four, while the Rome-Bari route will take three hours. This high-speed line will enhance Southern Italy’s railway infrastructure, connecting it with the Core Corridor “Scandinavia – Mediterranean” and improving freight traffic links between Southern Italy and Northern Europe.

The project not only promises to transform regional transportation but also fosters greater economic growth and connectivity across the region. The successful implementation of hyperbaric excavation underscores the project's commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation.