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Indeco reveals new system for selecting tunnelling methods

Italian hydraulic breaker manufacturer Indeco is introducing a new approach to selecting tunnelling methods. The firm says that this has been developed in response to a tunnelling industry that is too-ready to select tunnel boring machines (TBMs).
April 22, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
Indeco Hammer
Indeco: new approach
Italian hydraulic breaker manufacturer Indeco is introducing a new approach to selecting tunnelling methods.

The firm says that this has been developed in response to a tunnelling industry that is too-ready to select tunnel boring machines (TBMs). 237 Indeco’s marketing and commercial manager, Michele Vitulano explained that TBMs are highly efficient in the right conditions and have achieved major successes in a number of projects. However, he said also that these machines are also hampered by a lack of versatility. Changes in rock conditions can cause serious problems such as excessive cutter wear or even breakdowns.

Mauro Amato, product and project manager at Indeco explained that the firm has developed an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) that provides a simplified process for selecting the best excavation method for a tunnelling project.

In Italy tunnelling projects are often carried out using hydraulic breakers fitted to excavators, with loading and hauling equipment to carry away the waste materials. Vitulano asked, “Why are Italian companies working like that?”

And he explained that the complex geology of Italy has meant that for many tunnelling projects, the conditions are not sufficiently homogenous to allow the use of TBMs. Hydraulic breakers have been well proven in tunnelling applications in Italy, as they suit the often fractured or faulted rock conditions. This equipment is comparatively inexpensive, as well as being reliable and versatile. A TBM by comparison is highly expensive to purchase and also requires considerable logistics to supply and install on site.

When fitted to an excavator, a hydraulic breaker provides a highly versatile method. It can be used as a back up to a TBM for difficult tunnelling conditions, as well as playing a similar role with drilling and blasting methods. Alessandro Ciccolella is research and development manager at Indeco and said, “Using a breaker, a contractor can follow fault lines of the rock and increase productivity. It is a precision tool that allows selective excavation.”

He added, “There is a risk factor with a TBM that is totally overlooked by the tunnelling industry. Blasting and breaking are not methods of the past for tunnelling. That’s what we want to highlight.”

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Indeco is on the acquisition trail after a record-breaking year for sales in the US

The firm is now looking to expand its facilities in the US to meet the strong demand for equipment. The site is also used to manufacture a number of items such as mounting brackets for hydraulic hammers and hydraulic compactor attachments.

In addition, Vitulano said Indeco is looking for a suitable business acquisition to add to Indeco’s portfolio. “We are scouting for an acquisition, a small company with a good product, (one) that has maybe been undercapitalised.”

With the firm having had great success in the compact breaker market in the US, Indeco is also looking to widen its product offering for more compact demolition tools such as cutters for use on mini excavators. Vitulano said that he believes this offers considerable business potential for the future.

On another note, Vitulano said that Indeco is now achieving its first sales of breakers into Japan, a significant success given the strength of Japanese hydraulic breaker firms in their home market. However, he said that entering the South Korean market with the Italian breakers has so far proven considerably more challenging.

Looking ahead in terms of technology, Vitulano commented that Indeco is monitoring the development of electric construction machines very closely. “We should think to the future when machines go electric,” he said.

However, with regard to electric actuation of units such as breakers, there are major technical challenges to be overcome according to Indeco’s chief engineer, Alessandro Ciccolella. “There is no loss in power as electric machines are very efficient,” he said.

Ciccolella questions the ability of electric actuation systems to cope with the massive mechanical shock loads transmitted in units such as breakers. While the firm has been carrying out research into electric actuation, Ciccolella does not believe there will be any quick electric breaker breakthroughs in the near future.

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Indeco is now selling its latest demolition cutter in the US
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