Innovative relocation of a building at the Lugano station

On the morning of Wednesday 17 August 2022, especially between 8.30 and noon, innovation literally knocked on the train station Railways Swiss Federal of Lugano.
Il made which once housed the post offices (initially) and the customs offices (subsequently), called today with simplicity "service building", has in fact been moved forty meters further north to facilitate the construction of the Besso pedestrian underpass.
Federal authorities have requested its preservation, rather than its demolition, as themotionless it was built towards the beginning of the last century and has a notable historical and architectural importance.

Swiss rail freight traffic grows with automation

Potential risk for excavations with a 6000 quintal building

If it had remained in its original position during the excavation, the stability and safety of the site would have been compromised by the weight, which totaled 600 tons.
It was therefore decided to move northwards by about forty metres, after which in about a year the stable will return more or less to its original location when excavating from the side of the Ticino city of the new underpass will have been completed.
For this delicate and innovative work, the intervention of a company specialized in the "handling" of wood was necessary buildings.

Freight transport between Swiss cities will run underground

The building slipped on ad hoc concrete rails

Move a building of concrete weighing around 600 tons, 25 meters wide, 10 meters long and 9 meters high, was certainly not an easy and quick operation.
In fact, months of preparation were necessary before proceeding with the actual move.
first thebuilding it was completely emptied and a reinforcing framework was built in steel and wood, with the clear aim of avoiding the risk that the perimeter walls could be damaged during the journey.
Later, it was excavated both around thebuilding both inside, so as to expose the ancient stone foundations.

Photogallery, the Automatic Digital Coupling of trains

And in September 2023 the building will (almost) return to its place

A cut has been made along the entire perimeter of thebuilding and gradually the old foundations, once freed, were demolished and replaced with metal beams.
In the north, meanwhile, the structures on which thebuilding it was slipped.
A new foundation was also built, initially raised above the ground, which will guarantee stability along the entire perimeter.building for the next century.
The "shoes" with which the made Lugano it was slid onto the concrete rails.
In September of 2023, the old "service building" it will go back and find a place a little further north (about 15 meters) than the original position.

In Bologna the tests of the Swiss magnetic levitation train