The Mega Project That Stumped the USA and Japan: An African Nation Pays a High Price for Chinese Technology Support.
Since China’s infrastructure initiatives gained fame through a series of projects, numerous countries have approached China for infrastructure development, including many mega projects. Notably, there is one mega project that not only left the USA and Japan at a loss but also deterred 25 other countries from taking it on.
In contrast, China decisively took over this project. After seven years of management, the USA and many countries worldwide were impressed by China’s technological prowess in infrastructure development. This project is the Gantas Tunnel in North Africa. A French engineer who initially oversaw the project even referred to the tunnel as a nightmare for civil engineers, yet it was ultimately successfully built by the Chinese.
The Gantas Tunnel is the longest tunnel in North Africa. (Illustrative image).
This project is located in Algeria. In Africa, Algeria is a country with a relatively high standard of living. The nation relies on its oil economy to become one of the strongest developing countries in North Africa. However, its domestic railway system is not adequately developed, requiring continuous repair and upgrades.
The Gantas Tunnel is the longest tunnel in North Africa, with its surrounding geological area formed by calcareous claystone, a geological structure developed from sedimentation over centuries. This area’s geological characteristic is that it expands when in contact with water and shrinks when dry, resembling rock but turning into mud upon contact with water. This makes tunnel construction nearly an impossible task.
Furthermore, according to European tunnel construction standards, the geological area must be completely dry during the tunneling process. Only after stabilizing the geological area can the next construction phase proceed.
Unable to resolve the issue, Algeria had to pay a hefty price for China’s technological assistance. To address the challenges, China even consulted a team of German engineers; however, even the technically proficient Germans found no solutions to this problem.
Therefore, China had to rely on its tunneling experience and arrange domestic testing organizations to analyze the composition and characteristics of the geological area. Concurrently, China collaborated with international experts to discuss supportive solutions to overcome the difficulties encountered.
Specifically, China developed a specialized tunneling machine for complex geological areas like the Gantas Tunnel. This machine utilizes a three-dimensional virtual reality model and features an intelligent control system.
Notably, this machine is likened by China to a mechanical monster equipped with hundreds of metal teeth for tunneling.
Through the three-dimensional virtual reality model, engineers can accurately pinpoint potential risk sources and hidden dangers, allowing for appropriate warnings. Thus, engineers do not need to enter the tunnel to visually assess the current construction status and operate the equipment.
Additionally, this machine displays real-time monitoring and warning data, allowing for 360-degree perspective adjustments. This enables real-time dynamic monitoring of all factors within the tunnel, managing operations and maintaining infrastructure and equipment throughout its lifecycle.
Moreover, this machine monitors and manages incidents and accidents throughout the construction process. It is integrated with the entire system to ensure unified command operations and effective handling. Simultaneously, this machine enhances emergency response capabilities within the tunnel, effectively reducing safety risks.
Data is transmitted and updated in real-time, ensuring the effectiveness of risk investigation efforts. The linkage and multi-dimensional data analysis inside and outside the tunnel further improve the smart tunnel’s safety risk control and prevention capabilities.
The successful completion of this project marks the operational launch of the main railway line in northern Algeria. This project demonstrates Algeria’s trust in Chinese technology.