Throughout human history, countless inventions have transformed the way people live. Among them, civil engineering marvels stand out for having radically changed daily life.
From Roman aqueducts to modern highways with tunnels and viaducts that have accelerated progress, here are some of the most remarkable examples of human ingenuity.
1. Brenner Base Tunnel
The Brenner Base Tunnel is set to become one of the longest railway tunnels in the world, stretching 64 kilometers through the Alps between Italy and Austria.
This civil engineering marvel is a key element of the TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network) Scandinavian-Mediterranean Corridor.
Webuild is playing a major role in the construction of the Brenner Tunnel, working on four strategic lots on both the Italian and Austrian sides with tunneling machines (TBMs, Tunnel Boring Machines), bringing its expertise gained from building over 3,400 kilometers of tunnels worldwide.
2. Channel Tunnel
The Eurotunnel connects France and the United Kingdom via a 50.5 km underground railway, 39 km of which run beneath the seabed. It comprises two main underwater train tunnels and a central service tunnel, with diameters of 7.6 and 4.8 meters respectively.
The construction of the Channel Tunnel required 11 Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and more than 750,000 precast concrete segments for the internal lining.
Inaugurated in 1994, the Eurotunnel revolutionized mobility between the two sides of the Channel.
3. Roman Aqueducts
Roman aqueducts were masterpieces of hydraulic engineering, mostly running underground and designed with a constant slope of 1–2%, ensured by tools such as the chorobates.
To overcome valleys or changes in elevation, inverted lead siphons were used, capable of withstanding pressures of up to 12 atmospheres. Once in the city, water was distributed from special tanks (castella) to fountains, baths, and homes — a system so efficient it makes Roman empire aqueducts impressive even today.
4. Simplon Road
Completed in the early 20th century, the Simplon Road was a remarkable engineering feat that opened a direct route between Italy and Switzerland through the Alps.
In addition to the well-known train tunnel, the road was built to overcome harsh terrain and weather conditions, featuring tunnels, viaducts, and scenic stretches that still bear witness to the boldness and technical precision of the time.
This route revolutionized trade and transport, becoming a symbol of European progress and integration.
