Conveyor belt tunnel and escape tunnel
Engineered corrugated steel conveyor tunnels designed for heavy haul traffic, deep stockpile loading, and integrated emergency escape routes in mining and quarry operations.
Engineered steel construction
Structural corrugated steel plate tunnels forming soil–steel composite systems for demanding mining environments.
Built for structural demands
Designed to perform beneath haul roads, deep stockpiles, and high-impact hopper loading zones.
Efficient installation
Bolted plate assembly with backfill-based construction enables streamlined installation in active operations.
Engineered for the same structural demands
Conveyor tunnels in mining environments must withstand significant surface loading, operational impact, and safety constraints.
ViaPlate delivers these structural functions through soil–steel interaction and bolted corrugated plate assembly.
The composite action between steel and engineered backfill enables robust load-carrying performance while allowing efficient installation and future adaptability.
Surface & cover loading
Designed to operate beneath haul roads and deep stockpiles through soil–steel composite action.
Operational impact zones
Accommodates framed hopper openings, reinforced collars, and localized load-transfer detailing.
Safety & compliance integration
Allows integration of segregated emergency escape tunnels and cross-passages in accordance with site requirements.
Structural corrugated steel plate tunnels
ViaPlate is a structural corrugated steel plate system that forms a closed or open-bottom tunnel around your conveyor belt line. In quarry and aggregate operations, it serves as a stockpile reclaim tunnel or conveyor belt tunnel with roof-mounted loading openings, feed hoppers or loading chutes, through which aggregate drops onto the belt.
The solution can be combined with an emergency escape tunnel, also made from corrugated steel plates, providing a safe, segregated evacuation and inspection route with cross-passages to the main tunnel.
Key advantages of steel construction with ViaPlate
Performance, constructability, and operational flexibility engineered for mining conveyor systems.
Constructability
- Fast delivery and quick installation
- Minimal formwork and curing required
- Reduced on-site disruption
Structural Performance
- Supports heavy haul roads and deep stockpiles
- Local reinforcement for concentrated loads
- Durable and adaptable for long-term use
Operational flexibility
- Modular and easily extendable
- Simple inspection and maintenance
- Lower total cost of ownership
From Plates to Protection
Assemble
Bolted corrugated steel plates are assembled to the required span, rise, and length on site using standard equipment.
Backfill & load
The structure is backfilled to create a soil–steel composite capable of carrying heavy haul traffic and deep stockpile loads.
Protect & contain
The conveyor runs inside, protected from weather and traffic. Dust and noise are contained – maintenance happens in a controlled environment.
Integrate & expand
Roof openings for hoppers, escape tunnels, walkways, cable trays, lighting, ventilation, drainage can all be integrated as needed.
Applications in mining & quarry operations
ViaPlate conveyor tunnels are implemented across mining and quarry operations where structural performance, load-bearing reliability, and operational continuity are required. The system supports both reclaim installations beneath stockpiles and conveyor crossings beneath active haul routes.
Stockpile Reclaim Tunnels
Drive-Under Conveyor Galleries
Enclosed belt lines
Emergency escape tunnels
Configure your ViaPlate tunnel
Shapes
Round / Pipe-Arch, Low-Profile Arch or High-Profile Arch can be selected to optimize internal clearance and required cover height.
Spans & heights
Spans and heights are tailored to belt geometry, maintenance envelope, and stockpile or haul road loading requirements.
Portals & openings
Portals, headwalls, and hopper collars can be executed in steel or concrete, depending on impact and wear requirements. Reinforced load-transfer detailing is integrated into the structure.
Escape tunnel configuration
A smaller ViaPlate profile can be integrated as an emergency escape tunnel, sized according to local escape rules and connected to the main tunnel via cross-passages.
Decades of proven performance
ViaCon performs structural capacity calculations to ensure safe load-bearing performance and will optimally size the ViaPlate structure for your specified operating conditions.
With decades of experience delivering corrugated steel plate structures for the quarrying and mining sector across Europe and beyond, ViaCon provides end-to-end support: concept development, structural and geotechnical design (soil-steel interaction), detailing of hopper openings and cross-passages, supply of ViaPlate components and accessories, on-site installation guidance, and inspection/maintenance advice.
Proven references demonstrate reliable performance under heavy haul traffic and deep stockpiles, fast installation windows, and long service life.
Steel: The smarter choice
The strength and sustainability of steel provides durability and lifespan advantages for construction projects.
Case studies
Discover the full range of real-world implementations and sustainability benefits of ViaCon solutions and expertise.