Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies
The BedrettoLab (Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies) is a unique research infrastructure run by ETH Zurich making it possible to take a close look at the Earth’s interior. It is located in the Swiss Alps 1.5 kilometres below the surface and in the middle of a 5.2 kilometres long tunnel connecting the Ticino with the Furka railway tunnel.
Equipped with the latest technology, the BedrettoLab offers ideal conditions to conduct experimental research focusing on the behaviour of the deep underground when accessing and stimulating it. Such an access is required to advance scientific knowledge in various domains including geothermal energy and earthquake physics. It is also of relevance to develop novel techniques and sensors for these purposes.
2024-08-26
Continuation of the M0 experiment
Following the successful M0 experiment in late April, a new extended hydraulic stimulation experiment is scheduled for late August. The objective is to replicate the results of the previous test, which triggered, as planned, an earthquake with a magnitude of about 0. The now schedulded experiment will involve a shorter, high-pressure stimulation (20 MPa) lasting a maximum of three days.
This approach will help determine if the seismicity characteristics remain consistent with or differ from the prior experiment, which involved several days of rock mass preconditioning at intermediate pressures (15 MPa).
The potential risks associated with these experiments are considered low. However, safety measures have been implemented, including remote-controlled pump circuits that allow the experiments to be conducted without personnel in the tunnel. Additionally, predefined thresholds for magnitude and ground motion will trigger the halt of the injection to avoid any dangerous ground motions to occur.
2024-08-15
Mangia e Cammina at the BedrettoLab
It has now become our tradition to participate in the annual Mangia e Cammina event and offer guided tours through the BedrettoLab. This past Sunday, August 11th, we once again opened the tunnel to the public and provided a few other attractions in front of the tunnel.
Around 80 people either sat on our trailer or took a walking tour, while others took the opportunity to test their strength, measured by our seismometer in front of the tunnel.
For those still interested in visiting the BedrettoLab on another occasion, the next opportunity will be on September 28th, in collaboration with our partner Sasso San Gottardo. Tickets for the visits can be purchased here: https://www.sasso-sangottardo.ch/bedrettolab
Virtual Tour
Click on play and get a deep insight into the BedrettoLab.
Open positions
Link to ETH job board: Technician / Engineer in the BedrettoLab
(Job description as PDF in English, German and Italian)
Public tours on 28 September
Tickets for a public tour on 28 September can be purchased at the following link: sasso-sangottardo.ch/bedrettolab
Guided tours are in German and Italian.