The Rufoli Tunnel project is part of the modernization program for the Salerno-Reggio Calabria Highway and stands out for its focus on the geotechnical and hydrogeological specificities of the intervention area. The design study highlighted the need to adapt technical solutions to the local geological conditions, characterized by clay soils, tuffs, and paleosols, each with distinct physical and mechanical properties.

Preliminary investigations, including drilling, laboratory tests, and field analyses, enabled the development of a detailed geotechnical profile. A critical zone was identified near the Reggio Calabria portal, where surface soils exhibit low bearing capacity and potential interaction with seasonal water tables. This necessitated significant adjustments to the original design, including relocating the tunnel portal and extending the initial section with a cut-and-cover solution to enhance stability and ensure construction safety.

From a technical standpoint, the project includes face stabilization using steel ribs, shotcrete, and sub-horizontal drains to control pore pressures and prevent instability. Continuous monitoring during construction, through optical targets and instruments measuring deformations and stresses, ensures constant validation of design assumptions and allows for prompt interventions if threshold values are exceeded.
This analytical and technical approach enabled the development of a safe and durable infrastructure design, in harmony with the complexities of the territory.