Tokamak Complex
Tokamak Complex assembly contractors are installing equipment now in the lowest level of the Tokamak and Diagnostics buildings (B2 and B2/Mezzanine), progressing around the Tokamak Pit in a counterclockwise direction before moving up to level B1.
At the heart of the ITER scientific installation is the Tokamak Complex, a 400,000-tonne edifice that reunites the Tritium, Tokamak, and Diagnostic buildings.
Eighty metres tall (including basement levels), 120 metres long and 80 metres wide, the Tokamak Complex dominates the ITER platform. The seven-storey structure will house not only the ITER Tokamak, but also more than 30 different plant systems that are necessary for the machine's operation.
The Tokamak Complex is a nuclear-rated structure of reinforced concrete that is supported on aseismic isolators. The roof is 60 metres above ground level; the basement floor is approximately 11 metres below. The mid-plane of the machine has been located approximately at the level of the platform.
Construction of the massive edifice required just over 10 years and millions of work hours. It was carried out by European Domestic Agency contractor VFR (comprising French companies VINCI Construction Grands Projets, Razel-Bec, Dodin Campenon Bernard, Campenon Bernard Sud-Est, GTM Sud and Chantiers Modernes Sud, and the Spanish firm Ferrovial Agroman). The construction contract signed for the Tokamak Complex also included the construction of the ITER Assembly Building; the Radiofrequency Heating Building; technical infrastructure for heating, ventilation and air conditioning; a cleaning facility and site services building; the cryoplant compressor and coldbox buildings; the control buildings; the fast discharge and switching network resistor building; and three bridges. A second contract, signed in 2013, covered the mechanical and electrical equipment in the building suite (electricity, lighting, fire protection, elevators, HVAC ...).
Following the completion of Tokamak Complex foundations in August 2014, work proceeded on the concrete walls and floors of the structure (outlined in green in the drawing above). Tens of thousands of embedded plates have been cast into the concrete of the floors, walls and ceilings of the building to provide anchoring for the systems and equipment.
In parallel, contractors completed the ITER bioshield—a circular structure in the centre of the Tokamak Building that forms the machine well, or pit. Six-storeys tall and pierced all around by openings for systems and equipment, the bioshield is up to 3.2 metres thick.
Following the completion of the crane hall, a vast open space at the top of the Tokamak Building that allows the cranes to access the Tokamak Pit, the European Domestic Agency Fusion for Energy transferred the building to the ITER Organization in March 2020 for the start of machine assembly. The last civil engineering project, the Tritium Building, was completed in late 2023.
Tokamak Complex facts:
- Construction: 2014-2023
- Concrete required: 100,000 cubic metres
- Steel reinforcement: 30,000 tonnes
- Thickness of basemat: 1.5 metres
- Number of stories: 7
- Total weight (buildings, equipment and machinery): 440,000 tonnes
- Contractor for civil work (TB03): French-Spanish consortium VFR (VINCI Construction Grands Projets, Razel-Bec, Dodin Campenon Bernard, Campenon Bernard Sud-Est, GTM Sud, Chantiers Modernes Sud, Ferrovial Agroman)
- Contractor for mechanical and electrical equipment (TB04): Franco-German consortium GDF Suez Group/M+W Group
Photo Gallery
Backfilling penetrations
2024-12-19 - Some 4,600 "penetrations" (or openings) provide passage for pipes, cables, diagnostics and HVAC between the buildings and rooms of the Tokamak Complex. Each one needs to be carefully backfilled with concrete after cutouts have been reserved for equipment. Right now, the teams are working on openings on the rim of the tokamak pit (marked by blue ovals in the image).
Bringing concrete to difficult areas
2024-12-16 - For some backfilling operations, no truck, pump or piping can easily access the zone. In these cases, solutions have been devised to bring the required concrete to where it is needed through a carefully orchestrated series of transfers of concrete to skips. In this image, one of the small skips delivered by cargo lift is emptied into a larger one that will be lifted and positioned above the opening to be filled.
One week to cure the concrete
2024-12-16 - The opening is now filled and the high-density concrete is being vibrated so that it settles in a homogeneous manner through the rebar. "Curing” will take one week; full compressive strength will be obtained in 28 days.
Tokamak Complex: seen from the north
2024-10-25 - In front of the completed Tokamak Complex, an excavated area is reserved for the future Hot Cell. The building with stark black stripes will contain the high-voltage equipment for ITER's neutral beam injection heating system. (Low-res photo courtesy of Jan Hosan, https://www.hosan.eu/portfolio/iter/.)
An imposing sight
2024-04-11 - Over the years, the view from the Visitors Centre has evolved. Today, building construction on the platform is largely completed and the Tokamak Complex has become the worksite's most iconic feature.
Flags
2024-02-23 - Flags of the seven ITER Members, and the ITER Organization, stand out against the imposing facade of the Tokamak Complex.
Change of banner
2023-11-24 - The banner on the facade of the imposing Tokamak Building has been changed. For over three years, a banner had declared collective pride celebrating the delivery of the building. Now that the machine has entered the assembly phase, the message is one of commitment: "Safely assembling ITER."
Cavernous galleries
2023-11-07 - In the bowels of the Tokamak Complex, plant systems are being installed little by little. The red and blue ducts that are part of a temporary HVAC system installed by works contractors to keep the building conditions at nominal.
Painting inside the Tritium Building
2023-10-12 - Paint work is progressing inside the Tritium Building (pictured: the vault annex at level L4). This vast space (40,000 cubic metres) will accommodate equipment for the tokamak cooling water and tritium breeding systems.
Last pour for Tritium Building
2023-10-12 - The last significant concrete pour, on Thursday 12 October, was to create a 60-centimetre-thick slab for the aedicula sitting on top of the Trititum Building. The seven-storey building is now completely framed out, from B2 basement level to Level 5 and roof structures.
Tritum Building: end of civil works
2023-08-29 - Civil works on the seven-storey concrete Tritium Building are nearly complete and the tall cranes will soon be dismantled. Teams are working on the last level, L5, to complete all kinds of finishing works, including waterproofing.
Under the Tokamak Complex
2023-06-01 - Underneath the concrete slab that supports the Tokamak Complex is a vast, dimly lit space whose only features are squat, pillar-like structures called "plinths." Sandwiched between the top of the pillars and the slab above, flexible seismic pads ensure that in the event of an earthquake, the integrity of the building will be protected from sudden and strong horizontal accelerations.
Best view
2023-04-01 - One of the best views of the Tokamak Complex and the ITER Assembly Hall is from the belvedere of the Visitors Centre.
January 2023
2023-01-20 - The Tritium Building (concrete structure, left) is now at height. To the right, the structural beams of the High Voltage Building for neutral beam power supply are in place.
Tritium Building: nearly there
2022-12-06 - We can expect a topping-out ceremony for the Tritium Building in 2023, as the last level is completed. (This tradition originating from Eastern Europe consists of placing a small tree atop a completed construction project.)
Progress on the Tritium Building
2022-12-06 - European contractors are currently pouring concrete at level 5 (L5) of the Tritium Building. This will bring the structure to full height.
The importance of work performed today
2022-07-06 - "It is important to properly plan and execute the commissioning of systems, of course. But also, the ability to achieve the project's objectives depends vitally on the quality of the workmanship and the decisions made in the course of the present phase." (Head of the Science & Operation Domain, Tim Luce. See more at /newsline/-/3774)
Elevator shaft (large)
2022-07-06 - When fully operational, this lift will transport the casks from ITER's ITER cask and plug remote handling system (for activated components) between the Tokamak Building to the Hot Cell facility. For the time being, a temporary cargo lift has been installed to deliver loads to the different levels of the Tokamak Building.
Always impressive
2022-07-06 - Walking through the ITER installation, its massive structures and complex networks, alien-looking components and dizzying vistas, is always impressive.
Management walkthrough
2022-07-06 - For a comprehensive overview of issues and progress on the worksite, senior management does a monthly "walkthrough" of all buildings. It's about keeping in touch with challenges, progress on challenges, and also the day-to-day determination of the teams.
Now at L4
2022-06-14 - Workers are advancing at level L4 of the Tritium Building (L5 will be the last storey). The civil works are scheduled for completion in summer 2023.
Rising
2021-12-03 - The exterior walls of the Tritium Building (level L3) are rising. Two other levels will follow: L4 and L5.
At night
2021-11-12 - The Tokamak Complex, at the heart of the construction site, is captured at night by the ITER photographer. The ITER worksite hardly ever sleeps; when employees leave their offices and head home, the night shift begins for dozens of workers and specialists.
Pour days
2021-10-20 - Concrete pouring continues on level L3 of the Tritium Building.
Working on L3 of the Tritium Building
2021-10-15 - Two levels of the Tritium Building have been erected; in this photo we can see the teams active on the basemat for L3. When it is completed, the Tritium Building will rise to the height of the concrete segment of the Tokamak Building in the background.
White palace
2021-10-06 - The pristine white of the Diagnostic Building. L3 is ready for equipment.
Elevator shaft
2021-09-29 - ITER's cask and plug remote handling system will transport components between the Tokamak Building and the Hot Cell Complex. We are looking at the elevator shaft for the lift that will service the casks at upper, equatorial and lower machine levels. © Christian Luenig (www.arbeitsblende.de)
Readying the supports
2021-09-28 - All through the Diagnostic Building, plant assembly teams are installing ceiling supports for equipment.
Visiting the heart of ITER
2021-09-17 - It is still possible to enter the Tokamak Building to view machine assembly close up. In this photo, European Union Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson is accompanied by ITER Director-General Bernard Bigot.
Planned completion: 2023
2021-09-09 - Work on the Tritium Building resumed this year. The final level (L5) should be completed in the spring of 2023. While most of the functions of the Tritium Building are directly linked to full-power operation at ITER, the building also hosts equipment that must be in place by First Plasma.
Tritium Building advancing
2021-09-03 - Work is underway on the L3 level of the Tritium Building. (September 2021)
Open, for now
2021-06-22 - One of the 46 nuclear doors of the Tokamak Complex, designed to create a radiation barrier. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Equipment installation
2021-06-16 - In this tall gallery at the top of the Tokamak Complex (level L3), teams are installing cryolines—both horizontally and vertically (in shafts, photo). Painting has been completed at all levels.
Non-nuclear doors
2021-05-17 - European Domestic Agency contractors have 300 non-nuclear doors like these to install in the Tokamak Complex. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Injecteur room
2021-05-14 - The heating neutral beam injectors (2) and the diagnostic neutral beam injector (1) will be located in this room of the Tokamak Complex. Power supply will arrive through the openings in the ceiling. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Framing and pouring
2021-05-07 - Just like in the Tokamak Building, several areas of the Tritium Building will require concrete walls with exceptionally dense steel reinforcement.
Work resumes on the Tritium Building
2021-05-07 - Work has started again on the Tritium Building, one of the three structures of the Tokamak Complex. Activity is underway at the L2 level.
Europe finalizes work inside the Tokamak Building
2021-05-05 - Civil engineering and finishing works are nearly completed in the Tokamak Building (tall building, right); the last area will be painted this summer. Contractors are 80% of the way though installing 300 shielding and confinement doors. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Massive
2021-03-25 - A corner of the Tokamak Complex, a seven-storey structure that will house not only the ITER Tokamak, but also more than 30 different plant systems that are necessary for machine operation.
Photo: © Christian Luenig (www.arbeitsblende.de)
Near the Tokamak
2021-02-26 - To the right, ITER port cells leading in to the Tokamak (and sealed by massive nuclear doors); to the left, a completed gallery area, fully painted. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Handing over to systems installation
2021-02-25 - In the lower galleries of the Tokamak Complex, where the civil works are near finalized, the rooms have been handed over to the ITER assembly teams for systems installation. Follow all systems installation news on this page: /construction/systemsplantassembly. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Standard doors
2021-02-08 - There are many areas of the Tokamak Complex where standard doors are required.
Down in the bowels of the Tokamak Complex
2021-01-28 - Deep in the Tokamak Complex, European contractors are finishing civil works tasks. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Neutral beam cell
2020-12-22 - In this large open space on the northwest side of the Tokamak Building, the bus-sized neutral beam injectors will be installed. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Finalizing the nuclear doors
2020-12-22 - Following the installation of 46 nuclear doors to seal off the port cells surrounding the ITER Tokamak, European Domestic Agency teams are progressing on the finishing work, including painting. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Filling penetrations
2020-12-22 - One of the last construction activities is to seal the openings (or penetrations) in the walls. The penetrations must be filled while letting equipment pass. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Special openings
2020-12-22 - These special openings are designed for the neutral beam injectors. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
The Tokamak Complex is changing
2020-12-22 - In the galleries around the Tokamak pit, walking in a counter clockwise direction. Parts of the Tokamak Complex are taking on a finished air. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
A big job
2020-12-22 - Room by room, level by level, the raw concrete of the Tokamak Complex is being covered with coats of smooth, shiny white paint. An estimated 150 tonnes of resin, primer and paint are required. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Down into the basement
2020-12-11 - The first feeder component is introduced directly into the B2 basement level of the Tokamak Building. Approximately 100 components must be introduced to build the 31 ITER magnet feeders.
Drain tank lifted
2020-12-08 - One of the tokamak cooling water tanks in the Tokamak Complex is lifted so that contractors can weld a new leak-tight anchorage system.
Aeration
2020-11-13 - HVAC ducts are delivered for the B1 (first basement) level of the Tokamak Complex.
The only circles
2020-10-09 - These unusual openings are for a very specific component—the injectors of the ITER neutral beam heating system. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Painting time
2020-10-09 - Nuclear doors, and the floors under them, are being coated with the same smooth, shiny white paint as the other areas of the Tokamak Complex. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
One after another
2020-10-09 - Room after room in the Tokamak Complex will house the equipment needed to run the machine. The ceiling racks will hold cables and cable trays. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
A constellation of plates
2020-10-09 - We can guess at the number of components that will be installed in this large room by the number of anchor plates on the walls, ceiling and floor. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
All clear
2020-10-09 - In front of the Tokamak Complex, land has been cleared for the construction of two small buildings and a technical area. All are dedicated to the power supply of ITER's massive neutral beam injection heating system. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
In-pit welding to start
2020-09-04 - Two cryostat sections are in place but not yet welded. Cryostat welding begins later this month. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
The assembly theatre
2020-09-04 - About 150 metres separates the double doors of the Assembly Hall, which open to receive components, from the Tokamak pit. All components will spend some time in the Assembly Hall for unpacking, measurement and test activities before the final lift into place. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Components in the pit
2020-09-04 - Looking closely, we can distinguish the metal of the cryostat lower cylinder from the painted concrete Tokamak pit. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
46 rather particular doors
2020-06-19 - Installed all around the tokamak machine at three levels, these port cell doors double in weight (from 30 to 60 tonnes) when filled with dense, neutron-blocking concrete. The last of 46 doors was installed in June by European Domestic Agency contractors.
First piece installed
2020-05-28 - The first piece of the ITER Tokamak—the soup-dish-shaped base of the cryostat (1,250 tonnes)—was lowered into the Tokamak pit on 26 May. It fit perfectly. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Major machine assembly milestone
2020-05-26 - On Tuesday 26 May, the first major machine component—the cryostat base—is lifted by overhead crane and lowered into the Tokamak assembly pit.
Perfectly clean
2020-05-26 - The machine assembly "well" is perfectly clean and ready to receive machine components. The 18 cylindrical cryostat support bearings are clearly visible, like jewels in the supporting crown.
Cladding completed
2020-05-26 - Metal cladding now completely covers the crane hall of the Tokamak Building.
Final nuclear doors
2020-05-15 - The last nuclear doors are delivered through a Level 1 door of the Tokamak Complex. By next month, all 46 will have been installed. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
The Tokamak Complex
2020-05-15 - The Tokamak Building now mirrors the Assembly Hall. To either side of it, the Diagnostics Building (centre) and the Tritium Building (left) are still under construction. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Match exactly
2020-05-13 - The pedestal of the cryostat base will be affixed to the female lugs seen here in the wall of the bioshield (steel rectangles). To meet these interfacing pieces, the base must be positioned as it is lowered with a tolerance of +/-5 mm.
18 cryostat bearings
2020-05-13 - A set of 18 spherical bearings, evenly spaced and deeply anchored into the "crown," will bear the full weight of the machine and, acting as ball-and-socket joints, will enable the smooth transfer of horizontal and rotational forces.
30 metres deep
2020-05-06 - Two sets of overhead cranes (2 x 750 tonnes and 2 x 50 tonnes) will be responsible for the ballet of activity as components ready for installation are picked up in the Assembly Hall and brought to the 30-metre deep Tokamak pit. Photo: Gérard Lesénéchal
On the pit floor
2020-05-06 - Painted and cleaned, everything is nearly ready in the Tokamak pit for the first machine components. Photo: Gérard Lesénéchal
Assembly theatre
2020-05-04 - The ''assembly theatre'' is a vast space that encompasses the assembly and crane halls. In the foreground, the opening of the assembly pit; in the background (past the twin sector sub-assembly tools), the cryostat base is being groomed for the upcoming assembly operations.
One half moon
2020-04-02 - Specialists attach a pair of hoisting beams to one of the two "half-moon" segments, bringing the total weight of the load to approximately 100 tonnes.
One segment at a time
2020-04-02 - The temporary lid over the assembly pit is made of 11 segments ranging in weight from 10 to over 80 tonnes.
Getting ready
2020-04-02 - The Tokamak pit is nearly ready for its first machine component: 18 cryostat bearings are in place on the cryostat crown, contractors are finalizing painting and cleaning, and captive components have been installed in areas that will be blocked once the cryostat base has been lowered.
Last piece
2020-04-02 - As the last segment of the lid is raised, it reveals a spectacular view of the 30-metre-deep assembly pit.
11 segments in all
2020-04-02 - Once the central segment have been removed, two half-moon segments remain. At 80 tonnes each, they are the heaviest elements of the lid removal operation, which took two days to complete.
The lid is off
2020-04-02 - Standing at the end of the Tokamak Building, looking over the Tokamak pit toward the Assembly Hall. The temporary lid has been removed and installation activities are about to start.
Carefully supervising
2020-03-28 - The load path operation was overseen by Roberto Lanza (left, ITER Responsible Officer for cranes and crane operations) and Duco Jensen (ITER site planning coordinator), with strong support from construction coordinator Stéphane Herpin. The operation involved personnel from the Buildings Infrastructure & Power Supplies (BIPS) Project Team; Fusion for Energy contractors VFR (Vinci, Ferrovial, Razel-Bec), REEL (cranes), Dalkia, GDES, Martifer (manufacturing and installation of the crane hall), SAMT, and Nuvia; and contractors supporting both the ITER Organization and Fusion for Energy (Engage, APAVE, Energhia, Tiresia, and MOMENTUM).
A delicate threshold
2020-03-28 - The loads are about to cross from the Assembly Hall into the Tokamak Building. The cranes will halt at the threshold to allow the loads to be moved back and forth along the crane's yellow beams to monitor the deflection of the crane runway and that of the crane hall pillars.
The numbers on the scale
2020-03-28 - The weight of the loads appears in real time on the small screens just above the rails. Figures can vary slightly depending on the positions of the loads along the beams.
Coming next
2020-03-28 - Part of the circular lid that closes the assembly pit has already been taken down, allowing a dizzying view into the 30-metre-deep concrete cylinder. The removal of the 11 segments that make up the lid is scheduled to begin on Thursday 2 April and last through the end of the work week.
Final crane path tests
2020-03-28 - Totalling approximately 1,000 tonnes, these loads are travelling the way of future ITER components, and permitting the European Domestic Agency to validate ITER Council milestone #50, for crane access in the newly completed Tokamak Building.
Open for assembly
2020-03-26 - There is no longer a barrier separating the Assembly Hall from the Tokamak Building. In the next step, the temporary lid over the machine assembly pit will be dismantled and removed.
Ready to paint
2020-03-26 - Painting continues in the Tokamak Building crane hall.
Late into the evening
2020-03-26 - These workers, present just as Saturday turns into Sunday, are following recommended distance and personal protection measures.
Preparing for episode one
2020-03-26 - As the European Domestic Agency puts the finishing touches on work in the Tokamak pit (painting, cleaning), ITER's Construction Management-as-Agent contractor MOMENTUM is preparing for the first episode of machine assembly: the lowering of the cryostat base.
Covers off
2020-03-26 - One of the last things to do at the bottom of the Tokamak pit—uncover the cryostat bearings, which until now had been hidden under thick protective wrapping.
Wall comes down
2020-03-10 - The last piece of temporary wall is removed, creating a single-volume space for the pre-assembly and assembly of the ITER machine.
Fully contained
2020-02-26 - The volume of the crane hall (right) is now fully framed out. When the interior partition wall is removed, the buildings will form one continuous assembly space.
Covered completely
2020-02-25 - Natural light over the Tokamak pit is a thing of the past, as the last panel of metal cladding (layer one) is positioned on 25 February.
Cladding, layer one
2020-02-21 - First-level cladding is nearly complete on the Tokamak Building crane hall. At the end of construction, the building will have the same exterior treatment as the Assembly Hall.
100,000 embedded plates
2020-02-15 - All of the equipment in the Tokamak Complex will be attached to embedded plates. These metal plates have long prongs that are inserted deep into the concrete walls for support. There are at least 100,000 of them. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Cryostat base: grand opening soon
2020-02-13 - The huge cryostat base section will descend from above, supported by the overhead cranes as it is lowered 30 metres to the bottom of the pit.
Interface points
2020-02-13 - Female lugs on the bioshield wall will interface with male lugs on the cryostat base's pedestal rim. A high-precision drill is boring holes into one of the 18 female lugs to accommodate a steel pin.
More doors
2020-02-08 - Two nuclear doors are delivered to the ground level of the Tokamak Building. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
170 metres
2020-02-06 - Seeing the building from this angle, it's easy to imagine the overhead cranes travelling 170 metres from the entrance of the Assembly Hall (far left) to over the Tokamak assembly pit (far right). Cladding is advancing quickly.
Late January: progress is swift
2020-01-30 - The frame of the crane hall is nearly complete and a first layer of cladding now covers the south wall and part of the roof.
At the bottom of the pit
2020-01-29 - Teams are active at the bottom of the Tokamak pit to prepare for the insertion of the first machine component: the cryostat base. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
The mechanics under the machine
2020-01-29 - The concrete crown (left) that will sit under the machine is supported by 18 radial walls (centre). 18 cryostat bearings (covered in grey) will be the interface points between the 1,250-tonne cryostat base and the crown. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
2020-01-27 - The sun rises on the crane hall, which is nearly entirely framed out. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Hinges and frames
2020-01-25 - Before each nuclear door can be installed, massive frames and hinges must be mounted at port cell exits. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
How quickly it goes!
2020-01-23 - Workers on elevated platforms install the steel framework elements of the north wall. Another four days and it will be completed.
Capable of lifting 60 tonnes
2020-01-20 - In this embedded-plate-studded galley of the Tokamak Complex, a red "leaf mounting" tool is parked. This specialized tool was created by contractor Cegelec/Sommer to move the massive port cell doors to the concrete pouring station and back to their final installation locations. It is equipped with two large holding frames that clutch the port cell door like a sandwich.© Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
One step away
2020-01-13 - With the Tokamak Building now topped by the steel structure of its crane hall, the main building on the ITER worksite is just a step away from its final aspect.
A peek
2020-01-13 - Evocative of a stage with black curtains, the vertical opening at the centre of this image offers a glimpse of the ongoing activity inside the adjacent Assembly Hall.
Adjusting torque
2020-01-08 - In different areas of the roof structure, teams are tightening bolts and adjusting torque. First-level cladding will completely cover the structure by late February, allowing the bridge cranes to be brought into the new volume over the Tokamak pit for testing and commissioning.
In one month
2020-01-08 - Just inside the metal frame are the massive "runway beams" that will support the weight of the bridge cranes and their heavy loads. The beams are ready to receive the crane rails; installation work begins this week.
Crane hall: framed out
2020-01-08 - The complete crane hall structure—20 tall pillars and roof modules included—weighs approximately 2,000 tonnes. Contractors are currently installing the secondary steel structure (crossbars, etc), tightening bolts, and touching up paint.
Cladding begins
2019-12-19 - The first panels of steel cladding appear on the south side of the crane hall.
Without a hitch
2019-12-13 - The last roof module is moved into position on 11 December. The complete roof structure—20 tall pillars and roof modules included—weighs approximately 2,000 tonnes.
First roof module
2019-12-04 - The first module of the crane hall roof is lifted on 4 December, in an operation that begins at 7:00 a.m.
70 metres above ground
2019-12-04 - The preassembled modules are raised 70 metres overhead before being positioned on the waiting pillars. A second crawler crane (under construction at the right of the image) will be necessary for the last operations.
Lift day
2019-12-04 - On the morning of the first lift, our photographer was in position early!
And a second
2019-12-04 - Because the first module was lifted and installed without technical incident, European Domestic Agency contractors were able to proceed with a second lift on the same day.
Bird's eye view
2019-12-04 - The assembly of the Tokamak Building roof, seen from above. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Next step: the roof modules
2019-12-03 - The pillars of the crane hall are in place on top of the Tokamak Building; next, five roof modules must be installed. These will be lifted from 4 December on.
All pillars in place
2019-11-28 - Two rows of pillars, ten on each side, have been installed on the top of the Tokamak Building. Approximately one-third of the way up the pillars, are the sturdy supports for the assembly crane rails.
The golden hour
2019-11-18 - Second-level pillars have risen all along the right wall of the Tokamak Building crane hall. European teams plan to pose the first roof module in December.
46 to install
2019-11-15 - All around the tokamak are galleries full of equipment, which must be closed off by nuclear doors (photo). The teams have 46 to install. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Last concrete for Tokamak Building
2019-11-07 - Forty-five metres above platform level, the final concrete pour of the Tokamak Building is achieved at L4 level on 7 November. Only the roof structure remains.
On the roof
2019-11-07 - French journalists stand on the top of the Tokamak Building, among the strong pillars of the roof structure, on the day that the ITER community celebrates the end of civil work on the Tokamak Building.
Pillars: close up
2019-10-24 - Ten on one side and ten on the other: these massive lower pillars will support the massive bridge cranes that will be used during machine assembly. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Imagining the wall removed
2019-10-24 - The temporary wall will be removed in 2020, creating a vast open space for the transport of components between the Assembly Hall and the Tokamak pit. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
First level pillars nearly installed
2019-10-24 - Pillars are now aligned along both sides of the Tokamak Building rooftop and bracing bars are being installed between the pillars. A second crawler crane will be set up on the far side to help handle the heavy roof modules that will be installed between mid-December and mid-January. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Under the secret cap
2019-10-24 - Hidden under the temporary lid at left is the 30-metre-deep machine well, where the major machine assembly activities kick off next year. The last concrete pour for the area around the central well is scheduled for early November. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
The crane hall begins to emerge
2019-10-14 - From the top of one of the worksite cranes, it is easy to imagine how the heavy lift bridge cranes will execute their back-and-forth ballet between the Assembly Hall (in black) and the Tokamak Building.
Between two clouds
2019-10-14 - Highlighted by the sun are the 10 south pillars of the crane gallery, installed at level L5 of the Tokamak Building.
12 pillars and counting
2019-10-07 - Two rows of pillars have now appeared at the top of the ITER Tokamak Building. When 10 have been installed on each side, contractors will begin installing second-level pillars.
Elements of the roof structure
2019-09-25 - The first transversal roof elements will be lifted in December.
© Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
46 nuclear doors
2019-09-25 - Each of the galleries immediately surrounding the machine will be sealed off by a 60-tonne nuclear door (pictured). Each one has been fitted with a personnel access door. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Filled with concrete
2019-09-25 - The nuclear doors are delivered hollow, and then filled with 7.5 cubic metres of heavy concrete. Special tools have been developed to handle the 60-tonne doors and mount them on their hinges. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Steel pillar section #1
2019-09-11 - The first crane hall pillar section is lifted on 11 September. This is the lower, 13-metre-tall section of one pillar. An upper section, 16 metres tall, will be added later.
Special shelves
2019-09-11 - The shelf-like protrusions on the interior surface of the pillars will support the crane rails that must be extended out over the Tokamak pit.
20 pillars in all
2019-09-11 - Twenty pillars (10 on either side of the Tokamak Building) will support the roof of the crane hall as well allow the overhead crane rails to be extended from the Assembly Hall into the Tokamak Building.
Carefully now
2019-09-11 - Twenty-four anchors in the plinth of the corbel had to be matched perfectly with 24 bolts under the pillar. A dozen specialists were on hand for the final insertion operation.
First crawler crane in action
2019-09-05 - On 11 September, this crawler crane began lifting pillars to the top of the Tokamak Building for the metal roof of the crane hall.
Transfer of force through the lugs
2019-09-04 - Anchored and bolted in the wall surrounding the cryostat crown, 18 of these 2.5-tonne rectangular steel pieces ("female lugs") will play a key role in transferring horizontal forces to the bioshield structure and protecting the integrity of the machine. They will match with the "male lugs" welded on the cryostat pedestal.
2019-09-04 - As a fastening system for the bearings, a steel transition piece is half embedded in the concrete crown during the first phase of pouring. Then, a high-strength top plate (3.5 tonnes of steel) is positioned on the transition piece to receive the bearings with a mechanical blocking mechanism worthy of a Swiss watch. Permitted tolerances for the different elements of the fastening system will be less the 2 mm.
Major milestone ahead
2019-09-04 - For years, crane #1 has supported activities in the Tokamak Building from its central location, anchored at the bottom of the machine well. Before the end of the year it will be dismantled to allow for the installation of the metal walls and roof of the crane hall. Once the building has a roof, the temporary lid of the bioshield can be removed and the project will have reached a major milestone on the road to the official start of machine assembly.
The precision of a clockmaker
2019-09-04 - Teams have been active all summer at the very bottom of the Tokamak pit, in preparation for the installation of the cryostat base. On top of the concrete crown, at the point of intersection with each of its 18 radial walls, contractors are installing a set of 18 metal bearings. (If you look closely you'll see that one has been installed in its socket and protected under black cloth, while—moving in a counter clockwise direction—other interfacing areas are in various stages of preparation.)
Crane hall coming
2019-09-04 - To the right of the Tokamak Complex, contractors are assembling one of two crawler cranes that will be used to install the metal structure of the crane hall.
A wall in white
2019-09-04 - A thick coat of white paint has changed the look of the north wall, which stands between the Tokamak and Tritium buildings.
First cryostat bearing
2019-09-04 - Eighteen semi-spherical bearings anchored deep in the Tokamak support crown will act like ball-and-socket joints under the pedestal of the cryostat to allow the smooth transfer of forces generated during machine operation. The first one has been installed.
The poster is gone
2019-09-04 - A large poster of the ITER machine used to adorn the temporary wall of the Assembly Hall. It has been removed as part of the dismantling process for the wall itself.
Lid still in place
2019-08-28 - As long as the Tokamak Building is open to the sky, a temporary lid will remain in place to protect the Tokamak pit from the weather. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Future equipment
2019-08-28 - All around the top of the bioshield are embedded plates ready to receive equipment. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Up at the top
2019-08-28 - The very top of the Tokamak Building is where pillars will soon be installed for the roof structure. Material is arriving. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Neutral beam cells
2019-08-28 - This particular area of L3 of the Tokamak Building is reserved for the bus-sized injectors of the heating and diagnostic neutral beam systems. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Tokamak Building: final concrete this year
2019-08-28 - European contractors are preparing the last concrete pours of the Tokamak Building (foreground). The work should be completed in November. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
A privileged view
2019-08-28 - A whole world exists up at Level 4 of the Tokamak Building—one with a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside ... © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Meanwhile, on the ground ...
2019-08-28 - Teams have started to assemble the Tokamak Building roof structure from metal beams delivered over the summer. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Civil works underway since 2014
2019-08-28 - The civil works of the Tokamak Complex fall under the TB03 contract signed between the European Domestic Agency and the VFR consortium (Vinci, Ferrovial, Razel Bec). Their colours are displayed at right. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Coming in
2019-07-12 - At the bottom of the Tokamak pit, different openings allow for the arrival of electricity, cryogens and instrumentation. In the picture, placeholders have been pre-positioned. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Elements of the crane hall
2019-07-12 - The pillars of the future crane hall are arriving on site. They will support the metal roof of the Tokamak Building. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
The pit, all aglow
2019-07-03 - Raw concrete in the Tokamak assembly pit has given way to the smooth shiny surface of white paint. Teams have been working to complete the job in this 25,000 cubic-metre space since early March; now only finishing touches remain.
2019-06-30 - At the height of the heat wave, in late June, surface temperature on the ITER worksite climbed to the 50 °C range. To continue work—and protect workers—a series of measures was implemented: the morning shifts began earlier, longer pauses were granted, cool mist vaporizers were installed, and... parasols made an appearance.
Progress in mid-June 2019
2019-06-18 - The European Domestic Agency in concentrating construction resources on the central Tokamak Building. The metal crane hall is arriving in sections, for assembly on the concrete walls beginning in September. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche¶
Roof frame on its way
2019-06-17 - European construction contractors are getting ready to install the metal frame of the crane hall—the structure that will complete the central Tokamak Building. The structure will "prolong" the Assembly Hall. In this photo we can see where it will sit (on the right, on top of the white corbel, and on the left, atop pillars). Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Through the eyes of a crane operator
2019-06-17 - Sitting in his cabin 80 metres above the ground, Alex Dumonteil enjoys a most spectacular view of the ITER construction site.
A site that never sleeps
2019-06-13 - An average of 300 trucks pass through the gates of the ITER worksite every day. Ongoing construction requires a huge amount of material—rebar to reinforce the concrete, huge formwork panels, steel columns, backfill soil, pipes by the kilometre, paint ... All the indispensable supplies for one of the world's biggest construction sites.
Amid field and forest
2019-06-12 - ITER is an outpost of activity in an otherwise sparsely populated region. The site was cleared more than a decade ago on land belonging to the CEA Cadarache research centre in a bend of the Durance River Valley.
Massive concrete structure
2019-06-12 - In the five years since the completion of the Tokamak Complex foundations, the Tokamak Building has risen seven levels. Work is about to start on the metal frame that will complete the structure.
Crane hall columns
2019-05-20 - The steel pillars for the crane hall are beginning to arrive on site. Pictured is the lower segment of one pillar, which will be installed directly on the Tokamak Building.
Into the concrete maze
2019-05-18 - Open Doors Day visitors are taken to look into the Tokamak Pit through some of the port cell openings at L1 level. The openings were quickly sealed off again after the event, so that painting can continue.
Generation
2019-05-18 - What is experimental today could be the daily reality of tomorrow. For these two youngsters sitting on a rock in front of the spectacular outline of the ITER Tokamak Complex and Assembly Hall, fusion-generated electricity will be part of everyday life.
Jewel box
2019-05-10 - The concrete "box" for the machine is ready, and the roof structure will be installed by the end of the year. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Looks like a balcony
2019-05-06 - More than 80 metres long and 3.2 metres wide at the top, the corbel is a massive balcony-like structure. It is designed to carry the weight of the crane hall's structure (1,800 tonnes) and to withstand considerable vertical and lateral forces transmitted by the movements of the travelling cranes.
Preparing for the crane hall
2019-05-06 - At the top of the "corbel," the anchoring system for each steel pillar is designed to withstand vertical compression loads in excess of 150 tonnes and a ''moment'' (lateral acceleration) of 220 tonnes per metre.
An unusual angle
2019-05-02 - The tallest concrete of the Tokamak Building offers a spectacular and unusual viewpoint for works underway around the central Tokamak Pit.
A "corbel" for the crane hall
2019-05-02 - This 80-metre long, 3.2-metre-wide protruding element (painted in white) is a "corbel" that will support steel pillars for the future crane hall.
Art in the Tokamak Pit
2019-04-15 - Italian artist Michela Meneguzzi was at ITER in April for the celebration of "500 Years of Innovation: From Da Vinci to ITER." In a few hours, she was able to capture and render the colosseum-like ambiance of the Tokamak Pit in the style of Leonardo da Vinci.
Giant power outlets for a giant appliance
2019-04-08 - These circular openings in the rebar at L3 level of the Tokamak Building are more than 3 metres in diameter each. They will allow the high-voltage bushings of the neutral beam system to deliver electrical power, cooling, and other services such as diagnostics to the injectors below.
Painting to start soon
2019-04-05 - 30 tonnes of abrasive sand projected with high pressure on the inside wall of the Tokamak Pit have created the rough surface that optimizes nuclear paint adherence. The application of decontaminable "nuclear paint" will begin as soon as hot air blowers have brought the vast volume of the Pit (25,000 m³) to the required temperature of ~20 °C.
First pillars for crane hall
2019-04-02 - The first metal pillars for the upper floors of the Tokamak Building (the crane hall) have arrived on site, shipped by European supplier Martifer. Photo: F4E
Pillars to rise
2019-03-29 - By summer, the first metal pillars will be rising for the Tokamak Crane Hall. The first massive machine component—the cryostat base—is schedule for installation in March 2020.
First pillar supports
2019-03-29 - European contractors are installing massive support pieces for the pillars of the Crane Hall. The first examples can be seen by visually tracing a line that extends from the wall of the Assembly Hall (right side) to the end of the Tokamak Building.
Final concrete pours
2019-03-29 - In the Tokamak Building, contractors are preparing to pour the last concrete slabs that will cover the open galleries to the left and right of the machine well.
Spring on the ITER platform
2019-03-21 - The Tokamak Complex, with a cut-out in the centre for machine assembly. Large cranes will begin travelling from the Assembly Hall over the Tokamak Pit (centre) with their heavy component loads in one year—March 2020.
Tokamak Complex
2019-03-21 - Progress in Tokamak Complex construction. (Photo dated 21 March)
Progress
2019-03-21 - Photo taken from the roof of the ITER Headquarters building.
One last angle
2019-03-15 - The Tokamak Building has reached its maximum height ... in terms of concrete that is. The tallest corner in this image represents the last concrete level of the building that will house the ITER machine. Above that, a steel structure will enclose the area used by the overhead cranes as they deliver their component loads to the Tokamak Pit.
Directly above
2019-02-15 - Looking straight down into the Tokamak Building, with the capped Tokamak Pit in the centre. Materials are lowered by crane through the openings.
Door frames
2019-02-14 - This welder is working on the installation of one of the Tokamak Building's 46 nuclear doors.
Preparing for painting
2019-02-12 - The port cells have been closed off by temporary "curtains" in order to prepare the Tokamak Pit for painting.
A VIP door
2019-01-18 - Between two very different worlds—the concrete labyrinth of the Tokamak Building and the vast open volume of the Assembly Hall—this small door has been created to facilitate VIP visits.
Honouring the crown mockup
2019-01-17 - Replicating a 40-degree section of the Tokamak crown—a challenging structure characterized by unique geometry, high-density steel reinforcement and high-performance concrete—this mockup was built on site to demonstrate crown constructability. Now that its mission has been fulfilled, the teams are leaving a trace of their participation by "signing" the work.
Filming on site
2019-01-14 - Dozens of international media teams film on site at ITER every year. This group has a slightly different project—preparing a human resources video in Russian to attract the best candidates to ITER positions.
All painted in white
2018-12-14 - Now painted in white, the first level of the Diagnostic Building is ready for handover to contractors for the beginning of systems installation. The embedded plates visible on all surfaces will allow contractors to attach the supports required for installing plant systems.
A covered well
2018-12-06 - The temporary lid on the bioshield prevents us from seeing 30 metres down onto the floor of the Tokamak Complex, where the concrete crown and radial walls are in place. In 2019, 18 steel bearings will be installed in a ring to prepare for the first big lift of ITER assembly—the lowering of the cryostat base.
Lower galleries
2018-12-06 - This opening in the 3.5-metre-thick bioshield was specially designed to house the part of the feeder that crosses through the bioshield and cryostat—the feedthrough. Thirty-one feeders in all will find their way through galleries like this to reach the ITER magnets.
"As installed"
2018-12-06 - At the bottom of the machine assembly pit, the first metal component has been inserted into its bay. Metrologists are recording its "as-installed" position, as this component will be assembled with two other sub-assemblies to form the full magnet feeder for poloidal field coil #4. Thirty-one feeders in all will deliver electricity, cryogens and instruments to the ITER magnets.
Installed!
2018-12-06 - Into the slim opening of the cryostat crown: a break in the concrete had been left by building contractors for the installation of the cryostat feedthrough for poloidal field coil #4. The operation was successfully carried out on 6 December.
As the year ends
2018-11-29 - It was a year of major progress, as the bioshield and the cryostat crown—both strategic structures—were completed. The walls of the Tokamak Complex are rising and, all around, equipment is being moved into the plant system buildings.
What they saw
2018-11-29 - Members of the public were treated to this view of the Tokamak Pit on 18 May. Openings are sealed off and a first coat of primer has been applied after sandblasting and other preparatory activities.
Looking over the wall
2018-11-29 - Standing now on the tall north-facing wall of the Tokamak Building, the ITER photographer is able to capture all of the activities going on around the machine well at L3 level. The space in these outlying galleries will be completely filled with equipment and systems.
Lifelines
2018-11-27 - Feeders will reach the magnets by either crossing through the lower level of the bioshield—passing under the machine—or through the top level, passing over.
The first one
2018-11-26 - The cryostat feedthrough begins its 30-metre descent—the first metal component of the ITER machine to enter this space.
Tests completed
2018-11-26 - The first metallic component to be installed in the machine pit—a feeder component—had been delivered by China for testing to the Magnet Infrastructure Facilities for ITER (MIFI), next door on the CEA site, one year ago. On 26 November, it was positioned outside of the Tokamak Complex for lifting.
First of many
2018-11-26 - The feeder array for the ITER magnets is composed of over 100 main components. This one was scheduled for delivery ahead of the others because of its particular shape and its installation configuration at the lower level of the Tokamak Pit.
Operation underway
2018-11-26 - The Sun had just set on the ITER worksite when the cryostat feedthrough for poloidal field coil #4—a big, shiny stainless-steel pipe bent at a 90° angle—was slowly lifted from the Hot Cell zone to be deposited on the third level of the Tokamak Building.
Close to home now
2018-11-26 - A quick halt near the bioshield, up at the top of the Tokamak Complex, as the team organizes the equipment for the final lift.
Through the opening
2018-11-26 - The magnet feeder component passes through one of the openings of the temporary bioshield lid. This lid will remain in place until the Tokamak Building roof is completed.
Handling frame procured in Korea
2018-11-26 - In light grey, a special handling frame that was designed and procured by the Korean Domestic Agency specifically for this operation.
Up it goes
2018-11-26 - The 10-metre, 6.6-tonne component (part of a magnet feeder for poloidal field coil #4) is slowly lifted up and over the wall of the Tokamak Complex, to be posed near the top of the ITER bioshield. From there, it will be lowered into the pit.
First nuclear door installed
2018-11-15 - This 60-tonne nuclear door was set into place in November—the first of 46 to be installed at the openings of port cells leading to the Tokamak. All went well, as the dedicated mounting tool successfully transferred the weight of the door to the heavy duty hinges.
Success
2018-11-15 - A remote-controlled camera positioned above helped operators to align the door with its hinges exactly. Representatives of the ITER Organization, the European consortium VFR, and sub-contractor Cegelec/Sommer were all present for this first door installation operation
Selfies in front of the Tokamak Complex
2018-11-14 - Some 135 young "doctors in fusion"—PhD students specializing in fusion science and technology in Europe—were on site in November for a three-day event organized by FuseNet and the ITER Organization. A perfect occasion for selfies ...
First machine component in November
2018-11-12 - This six-tonne metal component—part of a magnet feeder—will be the first piece of the machine to be lowered into the Tokamak Pit. Installation activities will take place in the third week of November.
Delivering doors
2018-11-08 - One of 46 nuclear doors is lowered by crane into the Tokamak Building. Photo courtesy of Thomas Body, IPP.
Like a leaf
2018-10-20 - This "leaf mounting tool" has been specially conceived to manoeuvre the nuclear doors that will seal off the 46 individual galleries (port cells) that spoke off from the machine pit. The doors weigh 30 tonnes on delivery, and 30 more after they have been filled with concrete.
Solid frames
2018-10-20 - At the end of each nine-metre port cell gallery, teams are creating frames to receive heavy nuclear doors. Filled with heavy concrete, the doors will play a role in shielding workers and the environment from fusion-generated radiation.
46 port cells
2018-10-19 - Extending out radially from the concrete bioshield—like so many spokes around a central hub—are nine-metre-long chambers called port cells. The port cells will accommodate heating pipes, electricity cables, diagnostic lines and maintenance systems as they pass through to the vacuum vessel from outlying galleries.
Perfectly planned points
2018-10-15 - A vast network of fiducial target nests installed on the concrete surfaces of the bioshield, port cells and galleries will provide the reference datum for the dimensional control and alignment of machine components and plant systems. European contractors are in the process of installing approximately 2,000 of them. Photo: F4E
In support of
2018-10-08 - Some 30 plant systems will be installed to support the machine. On the one-kilometre-long ITER construction platform, infrastructure and buildings rose in 2018 for cryogenics (second from left), magnet power supply (twin buildings in centre), power distribution and heat rejection (not pictured).
Intricate webs of rebar
2018-10-08 - The nuclear concrete structure around the ITER machine will contain 30,000 tonnes of rebar and 150,000 m³ of concrete. The densest, thickest and most intricate rebar arrangements are located under the machine, in the concrete floor (basement), the recently completed crown, and the crown's radial walls.
In the driver's seat
2018-10-08 - The ITER Organization is based in this five-storey, 215-metre-long building in Saint Paul-lez-Durance, France. Through the bridge that connects the building to the construction worksite, machine operators will be able to pass directly on to the Control Room.
On the critical path
2018-10-08 - The ITER Organization and the seven Domestic Agencies are working to very detailed and closely monitored schedules to reach First Plasma in 2025. Project control metrics show that 57 percent of total First Plasma work scope has been completed (a figure that includes design activities, component manufacturing, building construction, shipping and delivery, assembly and installation). In March 2020 the Tokamak Building will have a roof and the first limited crane access will be possible between the Assembly Hall and the machine assembly pit.
Boomtown
2018-10-08 - From the C5 crane, we can see a small town booming with activity: to the left, the 60-metre-high Assembly Hall and the circular bioshield ressembling a jewel in its box; to the right, part of the industrial infrastructure (power conversion, cryoplant, electrical switchyard) that will support machine operations.
Peeking in
2018-10-03 - Looking across the 30-metre-wide assembly arena for the ITER machine.
2018-09-06 - Under the 23,000-tonne machine a crown with 18 points will be hidden. The crown was completed in four pours over four months. Only one small opening remains in the circular wall for the passage of a magnet feeder.
Circles of support
2018-09-06 - 800 tonnes of concrete and 224 tonnes of steel went into the concrete structure (circular and radial walls) that will support the combined mass of the machine and the enveloping cryostat. The realization opens the way to machine assembly.
Doors delivered
2018-09-05 - Once filled with concrete this 30-tonne nuclear door will weigh 60 tonnes. Forty-six units have been ordered to close off the 46 port cells that surround the central bioshield like spokes. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Waiting on the first piece
2018-09-05 - Looking straight up through the machine "well" where an opening in the temporary roof will allow the first machine component to be introduced in December. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Door operation
2018-09-05 - Here is one of the nine-metre-long port galleries surrounding the Tokamak Pit that will be closed off by a nuclear door. In this photo we see the start of the door frame as well as the bespoke tool designed for lifting and handling the 60-tonne doors. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Third building
2018-08-22 - The Tritium Building (centre) is rising more slowly than the rest of the Tokamak Complex because it is not on the "critical path" to machine assembly. The gap around the building shows how the Tokamak Complex sits inside a concrete box on anti-seismic foundations. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Room ready
2018-08-16 - Painting and finishing works in the drain tank room were finalized before the tank installation. It only remains to now close the roof opening.
Large tanks installed at B2 level
2018-08-16 - In August, seven tanks were introduced through the roof of the drain tank room at B2 (lower basement) level.
Standing room only
2018-08-16 - Once a cavernous open space, the drain tank room is now completely filled by the seven tanks. The space above the smallest tank, in the middle, will be taken up by a mezzanine supporting piping, pumps and exchangers for the vacuum vessel's primary heat transfer system.
Standing tall
2018-08-16 - This tall tank for the Tokamak cooling water system had to be raised from its horizontal storage position before it could be lifted by crane up and into the Tokamak Complex.
Skidding on air pads
2018-08-16 - Moving components in the 100-tonne range does not require tremendous force ... provided that the loads are placed on air pads. Once deposited on the floor, each tank (or pair of tanks) was gently drawn into its final position by manually operated cables anchored in the walls.
Big doings
2018-08-16 - In one of the most spectacular installation activities performed yet in the Tokamak Complex, three drain tanks and four vapour suppression tanks were installed during the week of 14 August—some 600 tonnes of equipment in all.
The Tokamak Building in July
2018-07-26 - The red-and-white crane beam spins slowly over the capped bioshield in late July. Down below, teams are continuing to pour concrete for the crown wall; outside, at level 3, they are laying a special type of "neutron-absorbing" borated concrete.
Building rising
2018-07-25 - The bioshield is 30 metres deep; only the top third appears above the concrete of the Tokamak Building. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Diagnostics Building
2018-07-25 - With the last work on the roof of the three-storey Diagnostics Building, the building will be completely framed out. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Circular?
2018-07-24 - The bioshield is not quite the circular structure we often describe, but is rather built from 18 plane surfaces, or facets. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Space reservations
2018-07-24 - Circular openings in the exterior walls are being reserved for the high voltage transmission lines that will feed power to the neutral beam injectors. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Going up
2018-07-24 - The concrete "box" is rising around the bioshield. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
In July, by drone
2018-07-24 - Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
From above
2018-07-24 - The Tokamak Building, photographed from a drone. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
2018-07-23 - At the far end of the Tokamak "pit" activities have started on the L1 and L2 levels of the ITER bioshield. © EJF Riche
Growing
2018-07-23 - The Tokamak Building (centre) will rise as tall as the Assembly Building when finished. That's 60 metres. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Diagnostics roof
2018-07-23 - Successive concrete pours are taking place on the roof of the Diagnostics Building. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Covered
2018-07-23 - The temporary roof prevents us from looking down into the 30-metre-deep "well" formed by the bioshield. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
In late July
2018-07-23 - In this central arena of the construction site, teams are active three shifts a day—two full work shifts and a third, at night, dedicated to moving scaffolding and formwork in preparation for the next day's tasks. Work will continue through the traditional August holiday in France.
A small Sun on Earth
2018-07-23 - The jewel box is ready, now for the assembly of the jewel. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Full steam ahead
2018-07-20 - Responsible for civil engineering and construction, the European Domestic Agency is working to meet an important date on the ITER calendar—March 2020, when the first limited crane access between the Assembly Hall and the Tokamak Building is needed for major installation activities.
Inside looking out
2018-07-19 - Most of the openings of the bioshield are 4 x 4 metres, Near the top, though, the penetrations change shape.
At the bottom
2018-07-19 - The concrete "crown" will support the machine from below and transfer forces generated during operation to the massive bioshield and the ground. The cryostat base—the first major "piece" in the assembly puzzle of the ITER machine—will "sit" on this wall, with the deep bottom of the base occupying the inner circle while the outer pedestal rim will be supported by the wall and also on the "lip" of concrete now hidden by rails for the circular crane.
Crown emerging
2018-07-18 - At the bottom of the Tokamak Pit, the crown circle and radial walls are being poured in segments. A third pour is planned later this month.
A peculiar chamber
2018-07-18 - In the bowels of the Tokamak Building the drain tank room was designed to house seven water storage tanks required for the operation of the machine's cooling water and vacuum vessel pressure suppression systems.
A storm is brewing
2018-07-16 - The scene changes when the clouds roll in ...
Looking through a "window" in the bioshield
2018-07-11 - The United States Department of Energy head, Secretary Rick Perry, visits ITER on 11 July as part of a US review of ITER Project progress.
Thinking ahead to machine assembly
2018-07-10 - This wall going up on one side of the bioshield will support the crane rails that will be extended out from the Assembly Hall. A similar wall will be built on the opposite side.
Levels 1, 2 and 3
2018-07-05 - The Tokamak Complex is evolving rapidly, as the Tritium, Tokamak and Diagnostic buildings have risen to L1, L2 and L3 levels respectively.
2,000 workers
2018-07-03 - There is activity on the worksite night and day, as nearly 2,000 workers participate in ITER construction in two shifts.
A last check
2018-06-12 - A test is underway to verify if the concrete that is about to be used to pour the radial walls and crown at the bottom of the machine well has the required fluidity characteristics.
A midnight pour
2018-05-22 - The first plot of the Tokamak "crown" is poured on 22 May. The crown will support the combined mass of the Tokamak and its encasing cryostat (23,000 tonnes) while transferring the forces and stresses generated during plasma operation to the ground.
A touch of colour
2018-05-04 - The ITER construction site on a stormy day, with a bit of added colour.
By drone
2018-04-25 - A drone snapped this shot as it flew over the tallest cranes on site. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Under the lid
2018-04-25 - Under the lid of the ITER bioshield, teams are preparing to pour the first segment of the cryostat crown. The crown is a concrete wall that will support the base of the cryostat. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
18 "spokes"
2018-04-23 - 18 radial walls will transfer loads from the cryostat crown to the bioshield.
Pouring to start on cryostat crown in May
2018-04-23 - Down on the floor of the Tokamak Pit the steel reinforcement for about one-fourth of the crown has been set into place. Pouring will start in May.
Openings for deliveries
2018-04-22 - Two rectangular openings in the lid allow the equipment needed for the construction of the radial walls (formwork, rebar, etc.) to be delivered to the floor of the amphitheatre and dispatched by the circular crane visible on the right of this image.
A path for the loads
2018-04-22 - Connected to the dense rebar of the radial wall, this 3.5-tonne "steel transition piece" provides a pathway for the transfer and distribution of the loads to the surrounding concrete structure.
Crown rebar, shaping up
2018-04-10 - The first pour for the concrete crown that will be situated under the cryostat base is scheduled for early May. The rebar in this part of the Tokamak Complex is particularly dense.
Red tubes?
2018-04-10 - To prepare for the first pour of the cryostat crown, teams are integrating 500 metres of cooling tubes. The temperature of the concrete during the hardening process will be regulated and homogenized by cooling water circulating inside these tubes and monitored by sensors distributed throughout the structure.
Drain tank room
2018-04-10 - A steel-lined drain tank room in the bowels of the Tokamak Complex. Seven steel tanks will be introduced through the roof of the room for the storage of Tokamak cooling water.
Vertical tanks visible
2018-04-09 - Looking south across the ITER platform a new feature has emerged: the vertical storage tanks that have been installed along the cryoplant at left.
Additional space
2018-04-09 - To the left of the ITER Headquarters building, additional office space will soon be made available to ITER Organization staff and direct contractors, bringing the total capacity of this main office area to approximately 1,250 people.
Looking north
2018-04-09 - From 70 metres above the worksite, the "box" of the Tokamak Building stands out clearly, with the machine well at its centre. The Diagnostics Building (at the bottom of the frame) and the Tritium Building (beyond the bioshied) complete the Tokamak Complex, which will be fully closed over in 2020.
Components through the top
2018-04-09 - Two rectangular openings in the bioshield lid will allow rebar and formwork to be delivered to the lower region, where work is underway on the "crown" that will support the cryostat. The first machine component will be introduced through these openings in the autumn.
Bioshield completed
2018-03-27 - The concrete well for the Tokamak is now complete and the first installation activities can start on the inside. An inital group of "metrology nests" have been installed on the bioshield walls for alignment purposes. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
A concrete fortress
2018-03-27 - Here's one path to entering the Tokamak Complex by foot. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
30-metre structure
2018-03-27 - The bioshield used to be visible from top to bottom; now, the building is catching up and we can only see the top third. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
The House of the Tokamak is rising
2018-03-19 - The status of Tokamak Complex construction in mid-March. The elevator shaft for the "cask and plug" remote maintenance system stands out at left.
Reserved for the machine
2018-03-13 - The ITER machine will be assembled here, in this 30-metre-tall "Tokamak Pit."
Approximately 200 tonnes
2018-03-13 - When a steel rim is added to fill in the gap around the lid, the structure will weigh approximately 200 tonnes.
A pair of able hands
2018-03-13 - A gantry crane (in yellow) covers the complete circle of the "pit" to deliver the heavy steel transition pieces (3 tonnes) that are on top of each wall.
Important work
2018-03-13 - From both a structural and safety perspective, the crown and its radial walls are one of the most strategic parts of the ITER installation. They should be finalized by the end of the summer.
Protection
2018-03-13 - From its position at the top of the bioshield, the lid creates a protected work space below.
30 metres down
2018-03-13 - At the bottom of the "pit" work is underway on the 18 radial walls that will transfer forces from the cryostat crown to the thick bioshield.
8 hands
2018-03-09 - To lift the 150-tonne lid, eight hydraulic jacks were positioned on eight evenly spaced metallic structures.
Lift operation underway
2018-03-09 - The black cables are slowly lifting the temporary lid—or floor, depending on your perspective. Until the Tokamak Complex is completed, the lid will remain at the top of the bioshield.
A forest of steel and concrete
2018-03-09 - The view of the French countryside is becoming spectacular, up at the top of the Tokamak Complex works.
The scale
2018-03-09 - The worker in yellow standing on the lid gives a sense of perspective. The lid is 30 metres in diameter.
Some trimming to do
2018-03-09 - As the cables are pulled up, technicians on each platform cut away the excess.
Balancing job
2018-03-09 - Before allowing the eight hydraulic jacks to begin pulling, operators performed laser measurements to verify that the lid was in a perfectly horizontal position. If for any reason one jack failed, the lid would not tilt more than one millimetre.
Way down below
2018-03-09 - Down in the basement of the Tokamak Complex, teams consult ...
As the day ends ...
2018-03-09 - The last rays of sun illuminate the facade of the Tokamak Complex in early October 2022.
Blue and yellow
2018-03-09 - Participants to the lifting operation stand in front of the "Fusion for Energy" flag on the worksite. "Fusion for Energy" is another name for the European Domestic Agency for ITER, which has been charged with the construction of all site buildings and infrastructure.
A special kind of elevator
2018-02-26 - The two gaping doors visible in the wall of the Tokamak Building are reserved for the cask and plug remote handling system. Bus-size containers will travel through these openings between the Tokamak and the Hot Cell, carrying components for refurbishment or replacement.
Higher still
2018-02-20 - This wall behind the bioshield is part of the last storey (L4/L5) of the Tritium Building. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Tokamak Complex construction: a guide
2018-02-15 - A cutaway of the Tokamak Complex, seen from the perspective of someone standing in ITER Headquarters. Note the floating foundation contained within retaining walls and the central machine assembly well formed by the bioshield.
A finished structure
2018-02-07 - Peeking through the columns at levels 1 (round penetrations), 2 (square penetrations) and 3/4 of the bioshield. Two basement levels are hidden from view. The worker in yellow gives a sense of scale.
From the corner
2018-02-07 - Visible from this angle are the two basement levels of the Tokamak Complex. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
First of five
2018-02-02 - The five modules weigh between 62 and 78 tonnes and span a distance of 50 metres between the two rows of pillars. A giant crawler crane—with a boom spanning more than 100 metres—was put in place for the lift operation.
L4 exposed
2018-01-29 - The top level of the bioshield has been poured and the scaffolding is coming down. There are fewer penetrations at this level. Photo: ENGAGE
Tanks below
2018-01-27 - This steel-lined basement room will house water tanks for the Tokamak's cooling water and pressure suppression systems. The tanks will be introduced through the roof.
Neutral beam cell area
2018-01-19 - These columns going up in the foreground will support the roof of the neutral beam area. Large bus-sized injectors will be positioned in this space with access to the Tokamak through the round/oval windows visible in this photo.
Last level of bioshield
2018-01-19 - In January, the last plot of the bioshield level 4 was poured. The structure rises 30 metres from the basement (B2) level to the top (L4).
Soon to be capped
2018-01-19 - Once the bioshield has been capped with a temporary lid, work can proceed safely below. One of the upcoming tasks to be carried out is the positioning of "topographic benchmarks" to serve as guides in the installation of the cryostat sections.
Lid to be moved
2018-01-19 - The temporary "lid" that is currently positioned at mid-height of the bioshield will be raised to the top to act as a roof. (A recess in the concrete shows where the lid will rest.)
Interior partitions
2018-01-19 - Formwork is in place and pouring is underway for one of the inner walls at L1 level.
Formwork comes off
2018-01-16 - The concrete has dried and the formwork panels can be removed one by one. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
A river of anchor plates
2018-01-16 - In this area just outside of the bioshield, embedded plates are planned where equipment needs to be attached; that is, everywhere. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
At the very top
2018-01-16 - Setting up the last pour of the bioshield, level 3/4. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Through to the basement
2018-01-16 - Looking down through a temporary lid to the basement levels of the bioshield. This lid will soon be moved to the top of the structure. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Moving up
2018-01-16 - From platform level, it's getting harder to see into the Tokamak Complex. In the foreground, the ITER Diagnostics Building. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Worker numbers in January
2018-01-16 - Over 1,800 workers in two shifts are active on the ITER worksite. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Down under
2018-01-16 - Space has been cleared below for work on the cryostat crown and radial walls. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Final check
2018-01-16 - Before the final pour, this engineer is verifying that the penetrations have been marked out as planned. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Crown and radial walls underway
2018-01-12 - One of the most strategic parts of ITER construction, the crown and radial walls necessitate the densest, thickest and most intricate rebar arrangements of the entire installation. This machine support structure should be finalized by the end of the summer.
The flying buttresses of ITER
2018-01-12 - Radial walls will permit the machine's support structure to transfer some of the "force" experienced during machine operation to the bioshield wall and Tokamak Building basemat.
Helping to distribute the loads
2018-01-12 - Workers are busy installing the steel reinforcement for each radial wall: thick rebar (up to 50 millimetres in diameter) arranged in a complex geometry, and massive steel transition pieces (3 tonnes each) that will transfer and distribute the loads to the concrete civil work.
Starting on the crown
2018-01-12 - In the bottom of the Tokamak Pit, a concrete crown will support the base of the cryostat. After realizing a full-size mockup to validate constructability, workers are now carrying out the first steps.
In a cavern
2018-01-12 - For the moment the two lower levels of the bioshield are closed off. Soon, the lid will be repositioned at the top of the structure and workers will have unrestricted access to the entire volume of the Tokamak Pit.
Bioshield: last steps
2017-12-20 - Teams are pouring the last segments of the circular bioshield, which now stands 30 metres tall. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Space reserved for Hot Cell
2017-12-20 - Standing where the Hot Cell Facility will one day be erected, looking toward the openings of the cask and plug transporter. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Late 2017
2017-12-20 - The ITER worksite, seen by drone in late 2017. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Tokamak Complex advances
2017-12-20 - Outside of the bioshield, workers are creating the walls and columns of the Tritium, Tokamak, and Diagnostics buildings. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Explaining the space
2017-12-20 - Around the "box" of the Tokamak Complex, there is a two-metre gap. This allows the Complex to move as a monolithic structure in the case of an earthquake. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Last 2017 photo
2017-12-04 - At the close of 2017, the last levels of the bioshield (L3 and L4) have been framed out and concrete pouring is underway. Work is also proceeding at level 3 (L3) of the Diagnostics Building (foreground).
For diagnostic systems
2017-12-04 - The Diagnostics Building is actually five floors (two basement and three above-ground levels). It has reached its maximum height. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
A wintery scene
2017-12-04 - A light dusting of snow graces the ITER worksite in December 2017. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
A model?
2017-12-04 - A few special effects and the vast ITER construction project seems to be transformed into a tiny model ... Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
The bioshield
2017-12-04 - In the space of one year, the Tokamak bioshield has risen 20 metres. The circular structure, as thick as 3.2 metres in some areas, is designed to protect workers and the environment from radiation generated by the fusion reaction. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Future assembly arena
2017-12-04 - Machine components will be lowered into the circular bioshield during the assembly phase. The beams of a massive assembly tool will be supported on its thick walls as the 440-tonne vacuum vessel sectors are aligned and welded "in pit." Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
A commanding view
2017-12-03 - Looking deep inside the Tokamak Pit, where machine assembly activities will kick off in 2018. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Tokamak Complex under construction
2017-12-03 - On the left—the Diagnostics Building; in the centre—the Tokamak Building; on the right—the Tritium Building. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Ground level, Tritium Building
2017-11-07 - Work underway on the Tritium Building in November.
A table full of building materials
2017-10-21 - As part of explanations, visitors were shown the different elements used in Tokamak Complex construction ... including some of the thickest rebar on the market.
Through the magic door
2017-10-21 - Visitors entered the bioshield through an opening that will accommodate one of the neutral beam injectors, used to heat the plasma.
Visitors on a Saturday
2017-10-21 - During the ITER Open Doors Day on 21 October visitors were invited to walk out into the centre of the bioshield, where European Domestic Agency contractors were on hand to give explanations.
FUSION!
2017-10-17 - A reminder, in yellow, of what everyone on site is working for: FUSION!
A peculiar opening
2017-10-17 - Most openings in the bioshield are perfect squares (4 m x 4 m). This one and three others, however, stand out due to their peculiar oval or round shapes—a distinctive sign that signals them out as the openings for the ITER neutral beam injectors.
Non-random constellations
2017-10-17 - Each one of the embedded plates in the basement of the Diagnostics Building has been placed with care and its final position measured through laser techniques. Position will be important when it comes to attaching the systems and components planned for this level.
Like a giant bird's nest
2017-10-08 - Concrete pouring is about to begin on the third above-ground level of the ITER bioshield (L3).
Early October on site
2017-10-08 - The ITER platform in early October, with work advancing on the Tokamak Complex, the twin Magnet Power Conversion buildings, and the cryoplant (counter clockwise).
Pouring the "mega" columns
2017-10-08 - Eighteen massive columns will provide structural support to the different levels of the Tokamak Complex; six among them will have the additional role of supporting the assembly crane rails. At the L2 level of the Tokamak Building, concrete is being poured into one of these "mega columns."
In the heart of Haute-Provence
2017-10-08 - Scrubland and forest, rounded hills and perched villages, the Alps half-masked by a blue haze ... the landscape that extends beyond the ITER site is typical of Haute-Provence. Looking north on a clear day the view extends all the way to the Massif des Écrins, a mountain range 200 kilometres distant with summits at more than 4,000 metres.
ITER artwork
2017-09-30 - Embedded plates are positioned ... very precisely ... before the concrete pouring team can move in. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
The red hats
2017-09-30 - Site foremen and women can be identified by their red hardhats. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Climbing
2017-09-30 - On the perfect circle of the bioshield (stretched out here by the camera's lens) two new levels are under construction: L3 and L4. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Bioshield: work proceeds on level 4
2017-09-30 - Formwork is in place for Level 4 (L4) concrete pouring. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Under cover
2017-09-30 - The day's blueprints are kept out of the rain and wind ... © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Last bioshield levels
2017-09-30 - Formwork advances for the L4 and L5 levels of the bioshield in September. When they are in place, the bioshield will be complete. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Looking through
2017-09-30 - The Tokamak Complex basement is visible through an opening in the bioshield lid. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
The C1 crane
2017-09-30 - In the centre of it all: the C1 crane, which stands where the Tokamak will one day stand. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Parallel projects
2017-09-30 - The walls of the Tokamak Building are higher now by one level than those of the Tritium Building (foreground). © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Interesting shapes
2017-09-30 - In the upper levels of the bioshield, openings are reserved for the passage of equipment. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Plates galore
2017-09-30 - Embedded plates stud the floors, walls, columns and ceilings of the Tokamak Complex—more than 100,000 in all. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
One level to go on this side
2017-09-26 - The Diagnostics Building (in grey) now stands two stories above platform level. One more to go and the building is completed.
An elevator for bus-sized components
2017-09-19 - Between the Tokamak Building (under construction in the background) and the Hot Cell (excavated but not yet built) there will be a robotic system ensuring the remote transfer of in-vessel components between the vacuum vessel and refurbishment/disposal facilities. The three large openings in this photo are for bus-size casks that will be capable of servicing vacuum vessel ports on three levels.
Level 3
2017-09-19 - Teams are currently working at L3 level, installing the iron rebar and positioning the embedded plates before the walls get poured.
Lid in place
2017-09-12 - View from above: the ''lid'' is now in place. Two openings will allow material and equipment for the crown's construction to be delivered to the ground floor.
Bullseye?
2017-09-12 - Two perfectly circular structures, looking a lot like archery targets, have been installed on the west-facing wall of the Tokamak Complex. They mark the location of circular openings in the concrete for the passage of electrical cables.
From below
2017-09-12 - View from below: the steel structure will protect workers on the the lower-level of the machine ''well'' and will also be used as a storage platform.
Practising on the crown
2017-09-12 - A 1:1 mockup is under construction on the ITER site that represents a 20-degree section of the cryostat crown and two radial walls. The concrete crown will support the weight of the full ITER machine—vacuum vessel, cryostat, thermal shield and superconducting magnets (23,000 tonnes).
Early September
2017-09-04 - Work underway on level 3 (L3) of the bioshield.
Rising in sync
2017-09-04 - The Diagnostics Building and the bioshield have both been built up to level 3 (L3). (The photo is taken from the L3 basement of the Diagnostics Building.)
A temporary divider
2017-08-21 - A metal lid has been installed at L1 level, effectively dividing the basement levels from the rest. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Still underway
2017-08-21 - The metal sheets still have to be laid on this side of the bioshield well. The opening will allow materials to be delivered to the lower levels. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Small crane
2017-08-17 - A small crane has been installed for the manipulation of building material under the temporary lid.
Looking up
2017-08-17 - Lid installation, seen from below.
Looking down on the lid
2017-08-11 - Work underway on the temporary lid, seen from above.
First beams
2017-08-11 - The first beams are installed at level B1 for the temporary lid. The lid is designed to be strong enough to act as a temporary storage platform for materials.
A temporary lid
2017-08-06 - The basement levels of the Tokamak assembly area will soon be covered over by a temporary lid, installed to protect the workers involved in the construction of the cryostat support crown and radial walls.
Wide-angle view
2017-08-02 - Taken from the first scaffolding elements at L4 level, this view takes in much of the south-southwest view, from the Magnet Power Conversion buildings under construction at left to ITER Headquarters at right.
The towering bioshield
2017-08-02 - Looking up through the ITER bioshield in early August. Teams are currently working on the L3 (or second-to-last) level.
Last picture of full assembly arena
2017-08-02 - An incredible level of detail is discernible in this picture of the first four levels of the ITER bioshield. Soon, though, the basement levels will be hidden from view by a steel cap installed mid-way down.
Preparing to "cap" the basement
2017-08-02 - White beams are being set into place at the level of the L1 basemat. Once these beams have been installed all the way across, a steel "cap" will be installed. The cap will protect workers below and serve as a storage platform above.
From the rim
2017-07-13 - Four completed levels of the ITER bioshield are visible in this wide-angle photo, from the lowest basement level B2 through B1, L1 and finally L2. The single heaviest machine component—the 1,250-tonne cryostat base that is being assembled now in an on-site workshop—will sit at the bottom of this assembly pit on a concrete crown that has yet to be realized.
A crane for a crown
2017-07-13 - This crane has been specially designed to travel in a perfect circle at the bottom of the machine assembly well (B2 level). Its mission: to lift and deliver the loads for the construction of the concrete crown that will support the combined mass of the cryostat and Tokamak (23,000 tonnes).
A star will be born
2017-07-13 - The early morning sun shines through one of the penetrations of the ITER bioshield, symbolizing the "star" that will be born when deuterium-tritium operations begin in 2035.
July status
2017-07-12 - The ITER bioshield, centre, and the Diagnostics Building, right, have both reached L2 level and work is underway on L3. Approximately 400 workers in two shifts are in involved in Tokamak Complex construction.
The mother of all embedded plates
2017-07-12 - Of the 115,000 embedded plates to be installed in the floors, walls and ceilings in the Tokamak Complex, this set of five (in beige, including one large circular plate) is unique. Located in the very centre of the machine assembly pit, with 48-millimetre-thick studs reaching more than one metre deep into the basemat slab, the set will anchor the main tool of Tokamak Pit assembly.
Eye from the sky
2017-07-11 - The Tokamak Complex "box" as seen by drone on a dry summer day in July. One quarter of the L1 Tokamak Building slab remains to be poured. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Approaching destination
2017-07-11 - One of the Tokamak cooling water system drain tanks is transported from temporary storage to the lifting point outside of the Tokamak Complex. One after another, the tanks were lowered through an opening preserved in the ceiling of the drain tank room.
A sea of iron
2017-07-04 - Rebar reinforcement is in place for the platform level slab (L1) of the Tokamak Building.
L2 emerging
2017-07-03 - The second above-ground level of the bioshield is emerging from its formwork.
In late June
2017-06-28 - When completed, the top of the bioshield will be aligned (approximately) with the base of the poster. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Rounding the corner
2017-06-28 - One of the last areas around the bioshield that has not yet been poured. Preparations are underway. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
A window to the Tokamak
2017-06-28 - The largest openings in the bioshield are approximately 5 x 5 metres. (For a sense of the opening's true size, see the worker in yellow on the other side.) © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
That's a lot of steel
2017-06-28 - Some 30,000 tonnes of steel reinforcement will be integrated into the walls, ceilings and floors of the Tokamak Complex. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Tokamak Complex, Level 1
2017-06-28 - This photo shows an area just outside of the bioshield that will be packed with systems and components. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Bringing the power of the Sun to Earth
2017-06-22 - A large poster adorns the temporary wall of the Assembly Hall. Against this spectacular backdrop, workers are advancing the L3 level of the bioshield.
Central arena
2017-06-19 - Looking more and more like a coliseum, the ITER bioshield rises from the centre of the Tokamak Building.
Completing the L1 floor slab
2017-06-19 - Workers are finalizing the installation of embedded plates on this part of the L1 Tokamak Building slab. Note the gap that exists for the moment between the L1 floor and the bioshield (at left).
Embedded plates galore
2017-06-19 - An estimated 110,000 steel plates will be embedded in the Tokamak Complex floors, walls and ceilings to anchor equipment.
Up close
2017-06-19 - Close to five levels high (B2, B1, L1, L2 and L3 underway), the ITER bioshield forms the "pit" for Tokamak assembly activities.
From the centre
2017-06-14 - Inside of the Tokamak Pit, looking up. Unlike the lower levels, the top level of the bioshield (L4) will be an unbroken wall (with zero openings).
Closing up the L2 bioshield
2017-06-14 - The circle of concrete is closing in at L2 level and work is already underway on the next. The ITER bioshield wall is 3.2 metres at its thickest.
Working on site in two shifts
2017-06-14 - Construction of the Tritium Building (foreground) progresses at ground level. In the background, multiple levels of cladding are installed on the Radio Frequency Heating Building.
Specially designed openings
2017-06-14 - Each bioshield opening is scaled for the systems that will pass through. Some openings are square, some circular, some oval ...
Successive pours at level 2
2017-06-09 - Scaffolding surrounds the ITER bioshield as workers advance on the L2 level (note the concrete pump at left).
View from above
2017-06-08 - The Tokamak Complex worksite, seen from the C2 crane on the northern corner.
Tokamak Complex rising
2017-06-02 - The basement levels of the Tokamak Complex are framed out; work is under way on the first ground floor (L1) of the Tokamak Building at centre and L2 of the Diagnostics Building at right.
Peeking through
2017-05-31 - The Tokamak assembly pit is already nearly 30 metres deep when you count the basement levels. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
2017-05-31 - Pouring is underway on the L2 level of the Tokamak bioshield. There are two more levels to come (L3 and L4). © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Dense rebar
2017-05-31 - The last part of the L1-level basemat in the Tokamak Building is readied for concrete pouring. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Medieval castle?
2017-05-31 - Under a grey sky, the bioshield and its scaffolding looks something like a medieval castle ...© Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Floating foundation
2017-05-31 - All around the Tokamak Complex a gap of approximately two metres allows the three-building complex on a single foundation to "move" on its seismic pads and absorb—in case of need—the accelerations linked to earthquake-induced ground motion. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE.
Staging ground
2017-05-31 - All around the Tokamak Complex available space is used for the storage of materials such as embedded plates, formwork and scaffolding. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Inspecting the works
2017-05-31 - Work on the construction site is like a well-tuned orchestra, with each party playing an important role. Here representatives of the architect/engineer ENGAGE inspect the works. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Proud to be part of it
2017-05-31 - Approximately 400 workers are currently working in two shifts on the Tokamak Complex. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Diagnostics box
2017-05-31 - The Diagnostics Building is framed out at platform level (L1). © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Showing off progress
2017-05-20 - Work was halted on the Tokamak Building worksite on Saturday 20 May, in order to allow ITER Open Doors day participants to get as close as possible to the bioshield.
Building up around the centre
2017-05-20 - The C1 crane marks the centre, where Tokamak assembly will begin next year.
Like a rocket aiming for the stars
2017-04-28 - From inside the Tokamak Pit, looking out past the successive levels of the ITER bioshield.
Hobbit haven
2017-04-28 - Level L1 of the bioshield seems to be more hole than wall. Some of the openings would please a Hobbit ...
Only one more to go for the Diagnostics Building
2017-04-27 - The building that will house the back systems of the ITER diagnostics is composed of two basement levels and three above-ground levels. Work is underway now on L2. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Late April
2017-04-27 - Tokamak Complex construction, late April. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Standing taller and taller
2017-04-27 - Looking in toward the bioshield. Each of the openings corresponds to an opening in the cryostat © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Starry ceilings
2017-04-27 - It's harder to see by drone, but work is still being carried out in the lower levels of the Tokamak Complex. Here, workers smooth the edges around each of the embedded plates that has been planned for the anchoring of equipment. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Seen from the northeast corner
2017-04-27 - The basement of the Tokamak Complex has disappeared. On the right: the Tritium Building; on the left: the Tokamak Building and bioshield. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
From the inner circle
2017-04-27 - At the L2 level of the bioshield, heavy metal plates are embedded into each column. These plates will support the Tokamak in-pit assembly tool. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Ground level, Tokamak Building
2017-04-27 - Pouring continues on the basemat slab of the Tokamak Building, ground level (L1). © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Tritium Building reaches B1 level
2017-04-20 - The progress of the B1 slab basemat and walls of the Tritium Building. ©LNM
Soon to be two zones
2017-04-19 - A temporary cap will soon be installed at B1 level, where you see the red line in this picture. The cap will allow workers to work safely below, while work on the bioshield continues above up to the final level: L4.
Inside the arena
2017-04-19 - A peek into the deep "well" where the ITER Tokamak assembly will begin next year.
Seen from above
2017-04-19 - Workers are preparing to pour the last segments of the Tokamak Building L1 slab ... laying rebar, positioning anchor plates, setting up scaffolding. Visitors to ITER's Open Doors Day in May will be able to walk out over the finished concrete (L1 is the equivalent of ground level).
Looks like an apartment complex, is not
2017-04-19 - Inside the huge well of the ITER bioshield, teams are working on different levels simultaneously. The worker in yellow stands at B1 level, where the base of the cryostat will one day be supported on a concrete crown. At L1 level a temporary structure has been erected to support some of the tools and equipment needed for concrete pouring and, just above, work continues to finalize the L2 level which hosts the multi-tonne steel plates that will anchor the main assembly tool in the Tokamak Pit.
Circle rising
2017-04-19 - One of the most spectacular features of the ITER site is the perfectly circular bioshield, which will rise up to the L4 level and then be capped. The bioshield will surround the cryostat, which in turn surrounds the steel vacuum vessel.
The three buildings of the Tokamak Complex
2017-04-19 - The Tritium, Tokamak and Diagnostic buildings, seen from the top of a crane. A maze of concrete and rebar.
Beginning to look like the Colosseum
2017-04-10 - With its regularly spaced openings over several levels, ITER bioshield could almost look like ... the Colosseum in Rome. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Moving up from L2
2017-04-10 - Two columns of rebar have been implemented at the L3 level and pouring is set to start on plot 13.
Second storey work
2017-04-10 - It's easy to see that the first storey of the Diagnostics Building is in place and that work is underway on the second. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Highest yet
2017-04-10 - The Diagnostics Building is the Complex building that has advanced the fastest. Workers are currently pouring the L2 (second storey) slab. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Nice and regular
2017-04-10 - Anchor plates for attaching equipment are spaced regularly on this part of the Tokamak Building slab. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Gouging the giant's eye
2017-04-06 - On 6 April, the massive formwork is removed— or rather ''gouged out''—from openings in the bioshield wall.
Different teams, different projects
2017-03-24 - As concrete pouring proceeds in the background, workers on the L1 level of the building are busy handling a bundle of 12-metre-long bars for the steel reinforcement of the neutral beam cell slab.
Top of the bioshield
2017-03-24 - At the top of the ring, work starts on the L3-level bioshield. L4 will be the last level of this huge concrete structure that is designed to completely enclose the machine. Photo: ENGAGE
Successive pours for the bioshield
2017-03-24 - Connected to mixer trucks by pipes running through the basement of the Tokamak Complex, the two pumps can deliver some 30 cubic metres of concrete per hour.
Concentrating the resources on the centre
2017-03-18 - Work is underway on three levels of the bioshield at the same time (L1, L2, L3). Three hundred workers, in two shifts, are participating.
A sea of plates
2017-03-08 - These embedded plates will one day support equipment for the neutral beam injection system. In the distance, the towers are part of the cargo lift system that will transfer components between the Tokamak Building and the Hot Cell Facility.
Working on the bioshield, L2 level
2017-03-08 - Scaffolding is transported by crane to the L2 level of the bioshield, where concrete pouring continues.
The Tokamak Pit
2017-03-08 - Looking down from the L2 level of the bioshield into the Tokamak Pit ... where the ITER machine will be assembled from bottom up beginning in 2018.
Preparing for circular openings
2017-03-08 - Circular areas are reserved in the rebar at the L3 level of the ITER bioshield for future magnet feeders.
2017-03-08 - Look closely at the worker in orange to get a real idea of the size of the ITER bioshield.
Measuring the as-built result
2017-03-08 - As the ITER bioshield rises, metrologists are on site to measure the as-built construction ... including the precise position of openings and embedded plates.
The pre-Alpes in the background
2017-03-08 - Snow-peaked mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to this worker preparing for a lift operation.
The most unmovable surface around
2017-03-08 - Exploiting the most reliable (i.e., unmovable) surface available—the concrete bioshield—the metrology team at ITER will establish a matrix of reference "targets," or fixed points, for use in measuring and aligning tokamak components during the assembly phase.
Tower rising
2017-03-08 - Having completed the bioshield basement levels B2 and B1, workers are now advancing on the "L" levels above-ground. L1 has been poured and is seen still surrounded by scaffolding in this picture; L2 is half framed out; and the first reinforcement bars are visible at the L3 level.
Coming full circle
2017-03-02 - Looking into the circle of the ITER bioshield, where the first ground level L1 (seen as the top level in this photo) is framed out for final concrete pouring.
18 embedded plates at L3 level
2017-02-28 - These heavy steel plates will support the weight of the in-pit assembly tool—a tree-like structure that will support the weight of the vacuum vessel sectors during welding. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Looking over the bioshield toward Headquarters
2017-02-28 - A special area of the ITER bioshield, with four ovoid openings reserved for the heating and diagnostic neutral beam injectors. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Secret passageway
2017-02-28 - A two-metre-wide alley between the retaining walls (left) and the start of the Tokamak Complex (right). © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Call in the pumps!
2017-02-28 - Everything is nearly in place for the start of concrete pouring in this section of the Tokamak Building. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Perfect squares
2017-02-28 - Openings in the bioshield, perfectly aligned, evoke a city-like structure ... © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Heavy metal
2017-02-28 - The reinforcement of the bioshield is practically the densest on site: 300 kg/m³. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
It takes precision
2017-02-28 - Each embedded plate is carefully aligned and secured. There will be over 80,000 of these on the walls, floors and ceilings of the Tokamak Complex. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Amazing
2017-02-28 - The concrete bioshield rises like an arena in the middle of the Tokamak Complex. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Three buildings on a "floating" foundation
2017-02-28 - Looking down at the Tritium Building. Note the two-metre gap between the Tokamak Complex buildings and the retaining wall, which allow the buildings to move as one (on a single foundation) in the case of a seismic event. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Yellow vests and hats
2017-02-06 - Visitors are a daily feature on the ITER worksite. In 2016 the project welcomed nearly 15,000 people and organized 600 visits.
Tritium Building
2017-01-25 - Interior partioning is underway at the B1 (upper basement) level of the Tritium Building. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Dizzying
2017-01-25 - The complex worksite of the Tokamak Complex, with the Tritium Building in the foreground. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
20 metres high already
2017-01-25 - The three-metre-thick ITER bioshield now rises 20 metres, including five metres above the level of the construction platform. Out of sight are the two basement levels B2 and B1. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Diagnostic Building rises
2017-01-25 - The 40 x 80 metre Diagnostic Building has reached L1 level. Each diagnostic system will be assigned a room on one of the three central floors of the building, to house the electronic and information systems that will receive, record and interpret signals from the operational arena. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Ground level
2017-01-25 - Walking along scaffolding at the ground level (L1) of the Tritium Building. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
The bioshield rises
2017-01-19 - The bioshield structure is rising at the heart of the Tokamak Building. The last plot of the B1 level was poured last week (the workers in yellow are at B1 level); about half of the first ground level (L1) is now complete (level above the workers); and the first elements of L2 are in place (see scaffolding).
Five-storey "Diagnostic Hotel"
2017-01-12 - Diagnostics signals will leave the tokamak arena along waveguides, cables or fibre optics and travel as much as 40 metres to the back-end electronic and information systems housed in the Diagnostics Building. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Ground-level bioshield
2017-01-12 - The ITER bioshield now rises 5 metres above ground level. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Diagnostics Building rises
2017-01-12 - Level L1 (platform level) of the Diagnostics Building is now clearly frame out. The building will comprise five stories in all—two underground and three above. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Four circular openings
2017-01-11 - Four circular openings, in all, are reserved in the bioshield for ITER's neutral beam injectors: three for the heating neutral beams (first three in the photo, from left) and one for the diagnostic neutral beam (foreground, smaller).
Hobbit holes?
2017-01-09 - These large circular openings in the bioshield are reserved for the neutral beam injection system that will feed some 30 MW of heating power into the plasma.
A pair
2016-12-19 - The first vapour suppression tank has been deposited and a second is being lowered through the opening in the ceiling. Once paired (one on top of the other) they will be moved to the side to make room for the next delivery.
Tokamak Complex now higher than platform
2016-12-19 - The Diagnostics Building is the first to rise above the platform (pictured, the L1 level wall). © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
L1 bioshield
2016-12-19 - The L1 level of the ITER bioshield (ground level 1) is progressing well and formwork is arriving for the L2 level. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
ITER bioshield: poured segment by segment
2016-12-19 - At the foot of the Assembly Building, the concrete structure of the ITER bioshield emerges from its formwork. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Two of many!
2016-12-19 - Some 1,200 people are currently active on the worksite in two shifts and another 800 people in the offices. The European Domestic Agency is charged with the construction of the ITER installation, in close collaboration with the ITER Organization. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Basement levels filling in
2016-12-19 - The emerging Tokamak Complex is clearly distinguishable from a height of 100 metres. The 80 x 120 metre "box" will contain the three principal buildings of the ITER installation: the Tokamak, Diagnostic and Tritium buildings. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
From one crane
2016-12-13 - The Tokamak Complex worksite is photographed one evening in December from one of the tallest cranes.
ITER bioshield rises
2016-12-02 - The perfectly circular ITER bioshield is rising in the centre of the Tokamak Complex. In this photo, we see progress advancing on Level L1 (the first "aboveground" level).
44 openings
2016-12-02 - Forty-four openings, or ports, in the vacuum vessel will allow access for remote handling, diagnostic, heating, fuelling and vacuum systems. These openings are reflected in the bioshield (photo) that is under construction now.
Regular access
2016-11-10 - The B1 level (first basement level) of the concrete bioshield is pierced by regular openings for the access of plant systems to the cryostat and tokamak.
The Tokamak Assembly arena
2016-11-10 - The building is rising all around, but the central well for the Tokamak remains. Tokamak assembly can start here as soon as the building is ready for occupation.
Could cause crick in the neck
2016-11-10 - Looking up towards the top of the 60-metre-tall Assembly Building, from the Tokamak Complex worksite.
In the Tokamak's subterranean world
2016-10-25 - A cathedral-like space, massive columns, a "sky" speckled with "stars" ... here is the fascinating atmosphere of the basement of the Tokamak Complex, captured by ITER's photographer and interpreted by Christian Lünig (Christian Lünig/VG Bild und Kunst).
Which way?
2016-10-24 - A sign on the worksite indicates the two closest villages to ITER--Saint Paul-lez-Durance and Vinon-sur-Verdon. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
In the "pit"
2016-10-19 - As the Tokamak Building rises, the Tokamak "pit" in the centre becomes more distinct. Here, over one million components will be assembled into the ITER machine.
A door for drain tanks
2016-10-06 - This "opening" has been reserved in order to allow the five drain tanks of the tokamak cooling water system to be installed. Photo: F4E
Close up of works
2016-10-06 - In the foreground, the Tokamak Complex is rising to meet the level of the platform. Towering above the workers is the ITER Assembly Hall. Photo: F4E
Bioshield reinforcement now visible at platform level
2016-10-06 - Work advances on the L1 level of the ITER bioshield—the thick concrete wall that will completely surround the machine. L1 corresponds to the first "above-ground" level. Photo: F4E
Nearly level with the platform
2016-10-04 - Work progresses in October on level B1 (the first basement level). The Diagnostics Building is already flush with the platform (right side of the Complex); the central Tokamak Building and the Tritium Building (left) won't be long in following. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
Reserved for the machine!
2016-10-04 - A perfect circle is preserved as the Tokamak Complex rises all around. This is the machine assembly area, where the first assembly activities will begin in 2018. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
The complexity of the Tokamak Complex
2016-10-04 - Within the concrete "box" of the Tokamak Complex, three buildings are going up on a single foundation: the Tritium Building, the Tokamak Building and the Diagnostics Building. Fully equipped, they will weigh 400,000 tonnes. Photo: ITER Organization/EJF Riche
A perfect circle
2016-09-21 - The two-level Tokamak Complex basement is in place with, at its centre, the assembly arena for the ITER machine. © Les Nouveaux Médias/ENGAGE
In the late August light
2016-08-25 - The Diagnostic and Tritium buildings (left and right) frame the central Tokamak area. The lowest-level basemat has completely disappeared. ©LNM/F4E
The lower basement level has disappeared from sight
2016-08-01 - Half of the B1 basemat (the upper basement level slab) has now been poured for the Tokamak Building, in the centre of the image.
For strong anchorage
2016-08-01 - Workers are carefully positioning hundreds of embedded plates in the dense rebar lattice before pouring the concrete for the B1 basement of the Tritium Building.
2016-08-01 - The Assembly Building, now adorned with a giant poster of the ITER machine, dominates the ITER landscape. Eventually, as the Tokamak Building rises, the temporary cladding on the northwest facade will be removed and the two buildings will be joined into one.
Second storey of the Tritium Building
2016-08-01 - In early August, work progresses on the B1 level (upper basement level) floor slab of the Tritium Building.
Concrete, and more concrete
2016-07-11 - Outside of the circular bioshield, workers are pouring the B1 basemat in sections. © EJF Riche
Precision demanded
2016-07-11 - Tens of thousands of embedded plates will be installed throughout the seven levels of the Tokamak Complex to provide anchorage for equipment such as cable trays, cooling water system tanks and diagnostics. These plates must be inserted into the rebar lattice prior to concrete pouring.
A suite of three
2016-07-11 - The three buildings of the Tokamak Complex—Tritium, Tokamak and Diagnostics—are clearly visible in this photo taken by drone. © EJF Riche
Tritium Building, level B1
2016-07-11 - After the installation of six captive components (water detritiation tanks), work is now progressing to frame out the B1-level basemat. © EJF Riche
In late September
2016-07-11 - Looking from the Diagnostics Building towards ITER Headquarters. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Like so many spokes
2016-07-11 - The centre of it all: the Tokamak installation arena, with spokes (reinforcement for radial walls) all around. © EJF Riche
Bewildering complexity
2016-07-11 - In this area of the Tokamak Complex, where the circular meets the linear, the construction plans are bewildering complex. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
All in a line
2016-07-11 - At the top right of the photo, we can see how the cryostat segments will leave the Cryostat Workshop through the large doors and travel in a straight line to the Cleaning Facility/Assembly Hall, before being delivered by overhead crane to the Tokamak Pit.
© EJF Riche
Filling in
2016-07-11 - In the central Tokamak Building area, the B1-level floor is progressively cast in concrete. © EJF Riche
A busy scene
2016-06-30 - From the Diagnostics Building, where formwork is underway for the Level L1 basemat (which will bring the building flush with the platform), we look across the complex scape of the Tokamak Building, with its multitude of steel bars, embedded plates, and equipment.
Tokamak Building, June 2016
2016-06-15 - As the building rises on all sides, the circular Tokamak assembly area—called the "pit"—becomes more and more pronounced.
First mechanical equipement for Tokamak Building
2016-06-07 - Part of the nuclear effluent drainage system, this 18 m³ tank is the first mechanical equipment to be lowered into the Tokamak Building.
Often seen on site
2016-06-07 - From left to right: Laurent Schmieder, head of ITER Site, Buildings and Power Supplies for the European Domestic Agency; and Georges Romero, construction works expert.
Looking into the Tokamak Complex
2016-06-04 - Looking from the Tritium Building (level B2) towards the central Tokamak area. To the left, the face of the Assembly Building will soon be covered in cladding. Photo: F4E
A view that won't be around forever
2016-06-02 - This spectacular angle for photography is about to be closed off as a temporary wall is progressively built between the Assembly Building and the Tokamak Pit.
Inside of the "Pit," looking up toward the ITER Assembly Building
2016-06-02 - When the seven stories of the Tokamak Building are completed, the two buildings will match in height (60 m above platform level).
Working on the B1 level
2016-06-02 - On the left, the B1 level basemat for the Diagnostics Building is in place and work has started on the inner partitions. The part of the Tokamak Building B1 basemat that was realized on 26 April can be seen in the lower right of the frame.
Eagle-eye view
2016-05-12 - From the Assembly Hall, the view of the Tokamak Pit is exceptional. Workers are advancing on the B1 level (basement 1) of the Tokamak Complex.
Optical metrology
2016-04-26 - Metrology activities are contributing significantly to the success of Tokamak Complex construction operations.
Milestone for the Tokamak Building
2016-04-26 - Concrete pouring for the B1 basement level of the Tokamak Building begins on Tuesday 26 April. When the B1 floor (basemat) is in place, the construction of B1 walls will bring the Tokamak Complex flush with the level of the platform.
A full day of pouring
2016-04-26 - Some 540 cubic meters of concrete are employed in filling a 750 square-metre area (plots 4 and 5) for the B1 basemat of the Tokamak Building.
The Tokamak "Pit"
2016-04-26 - As the B2 basement level of the Tokamak Complex disappears under the reinforcement of the B1-level basemat, the central assembly area for the ITER machine (called the "Pit") becomes more and more visible—especially from a certain height.
Last touches to the rebar
2016-04-25 - While just outside the frame to the right workers are starting on the first concrete pour of the Tokamak Building, another team puts the finishing touches on the rebar of the central segments. Pouring will resume in May.
Connecting to the crown
2016-04-12 - One-metre thick radial walls (pictured here as spokes) will connect the massive ITER bioshield to the concrete Tokamak crown, which will support the combined mass of the cryostat, the vacuum vessel, the magnet system and the thermal shield. © EJF Riche
Second drain tank
2016-04-07 - Two of these 100-cubic-metre tanks will join four smaller (20-cubic-metre) tanks in the basement of the Tritium Building before work can start on the next building level. Photo: F4E
(More) men at work
2016-04-07 - The workforce involved with Tokamak Complex construction is set to increase significantly in the next three months. Some 40 formworkers and close to 100 rebar specialists will be added to the teams presently working on the bioshield and the B1 level.
Impressive logistics
2016-04-07 - Progress on the ITER site relies on finely tuned logistics. As concrete mixer trucks rush to the cryoplant worksite, every inch of ground surrounding the Tokamak Pit seems to be occupied by stacks of embedded plates, formwork equipment and steel rebar.
Carefully now!
2016-04-07 - The worksite team slowly lowers one of the tanks into its bed. The water detritiation system is part of Europe's contribution to the ITER Project. Photo: F4E
Ever-wider circles
2016-04-07 - Concentric circles of metal and cement surround the space reserved for the ITER Tokamak where, for now, only the central crane stands.
Up another level
2016-04-07 - The installation of rebar installation is progressing on plot #2 of the Tokamak Complex (B1 level) at the right side of the photo. The completion of this second basement level will bring the Tokamak Complex flush with the ITER platform.
Settled into the basement of the Tokamak Complex
2016-04-07 - Six water detritiation tanks are now in place in the B2 basement level of the Tritium Building—the first plant components to be installed inside the reactor building (the Tokamak Complex). Photo: F4E
First component placed in Tritium Building
2016-03-29 - The first of six water detritiation tanks was installed on 29 March in the lowest basement level (B2) of the Tritium Building. This is the very first component to be installed in the Tokamak Complex.
Six in all
2016-03-29 - Six metal tanks supplied by Europe will be installed in the Tritium Building for ITER's water detritiation system.
Basement fills in
2016-03-22 - To the right of the photo, work on the B1 basement level of the Diagnostics Building advances, bringing the structure flush with the ITER platform.
Managing work on site
2016-03-03 - Behind the main construction area, prefabricated buildings house the on-site teams of the consortia charged with carrying out work by the European Domestic agency. Photo: F4E
Bioshield mezzanine
2016-03-03 - Just outside the 3-metre-thick ITER bioshield (partially covered in blue), workers are pouring the south side of the bioshield mezzanine. Photo: F4E
The "Pit"
2016-03-03 - From the top of the Assembly Hall, it's easy to see why we call the tokamak assembly area the "Tokamak Pit." Photo: F4E
Partitions galore
2016-02-22 - The partitions of the B2 (lower basement) level of the Tritium Building are nearly completed. Photo: ENGAGE
2016-02-17 - Work advances well on both the interior and exterior walls of the Diagnostics Building at level B1. In April, propping work will begin at ground level (L1). Photo: ENGAGE
Bullseye
2016-02-16 - The C1 crane is anchored exactly where Tokamak assembly will begin. Photo: ENGAGE
Well-laid plans
2016-02-16 - Early one morning in February, in the centre of the Tokamak Pit, the field team examines a diagram of the day's work. Photo: ENGAGE
Level B1
2016-02-04 - In the Diagnostics Building, basement level one (B1) now has a floor and work is underway on the propping for the walls.
Moving in toward the centre
2016-02-04 - When all Tokamak Complex civil work is done, only the centre of the area will remain accessible for the assembly and installation operations of the ITER Tokamak.
Bioshield, rising
2016-02-04 - On top of the first circle of bioshield, work is now underway on the skirts and plates of the next level. A mockup has been created on site to validate the procedures of this second-step pour.
Many a plate ...
2016-02-04 - The pre-installed squares that are noticeable on the vertical reinforcement are embedded plates, designed to provide robust anchorage for Diagnostic Building equipment.
360° bioshield
2016-02-04 - The second pour for the ITER bioshield took place on 20 January—now the full ring is in place at the lower level.
Completing the lowest level
2016-01-12 - In the centre of the Tokamak Pit, the walls of the Tokamak Building are rising—the east, west and south sides have been poured at the B2 (lower basement) level and 70 percent of columns are in place. B1-level civil works will start in the Tokamak Building during the first quarter of 2016.
All lit up
2015-12-10 - In December lights stay on late in the Tokamak Pit, where the last shift leaves off at 10:00 p.m. Concrete pouring on the second level of the Tokamak Complex will begin in early 2016.
Reinforcement and concrete pouring progress for the Diagnostics Building
2015-12-01 - The workers in the foreground are standing on the first basement level (B1) of the Diagnostics Building. Photo: F4E
2015-11-24 - On the northernmost end of the Tokamak Pit, the final walls and pillars are being poured for the Tritium Building.
First B1 reinforcement in place
2015-11-24 - Reinforcement activities on basement level 1 (B1) of the Tokamak Complex get underway in November.
Lower level hidden from view
2015-11-24 - Wooden formwork and rebar lattices now completely cover the lower level of the Diagnostic Building. The first concrete slab for the B1 level of the Diagnostics Building has been poured.
Progress on the Tokamak Complex
2015-11-24 - Work is advancing on the Tokamak Complex in two 8-hour shifts.
Site impressions, November 2015 3/6
2015-11-07 - Photo: Christian Lünig/ VG Bild und Kunst
Site impressions, November 2015 1/6
2015-11-07 - Photo: Christian Lünig/ VG Bild und Kunst
Site impressions, November 2015 4/6
2015-11-07 - Photo: Christian Lünig/ VG Bild und Kunst
Site impressions, November 2015 2/6
2015-11-07 - Photo: Christian Lünig/ VG Bild und Kunst
Site impressions, November 2015 6/6
2015-11-04 - Photo: Christian Lünig/ VG Bild und Kunst
Site impressions, November 2015 5/6
2015-11-04 - Photo: Christian Lünig/ VG Bild und Kunst
Work on the next basement level underway
2015-10-24 - Work is underway on the second basement level of the Tokamak Complex (B1). Pictured, the installation of propping and formwork for the Diagnostics Building.
A sense of scale
2015-10-24 - Under the vast structure of the Assembly Building the visitors seem ... very small. They stand on the edge of the Tokamak Pit, where pouring activities are underway on the lowest basement level of the Tokamak Complex.
Three-fifths of a circle
2015-10-24 - In light grey, we can see the poured bioshield concrete—a segment of 200 degrees. It will take 28 days to dry completely.
Bioshield takes shape
2015-10-21 - Concrete pouring begins on the ITER bioshield (21 October 2015). Photo: F4E
First pour for the bioshield
2015-10-21 - In the early hours of Wednesday, 21 October, workers poured the first 200° segment of the bioshield, in an all-day operation that took some 15 hours to complete.
Next level pouring to start for the Diagnostics Building
2015-10-20 - Workers are positioning the formwork for the next level (B1) of the Diagnostics Building. Photo: F4E
Preparing for the bioshield concrete
2015-10-20 - Formwork marks out the shape of the ITER bioshield on the B2 (second basement) level of the Tokamak Complex. Photo: F4E
Rebar forest
2015-10-14 - Plastic caps of many colours protect the couplers that ensure the vertical continuity of the bioshield's steel reinforcement. Pouring will take place in two phases: first a lower segement, then an upper segment (propping is visible between the two).
Structural concrete
2015-10-14 - Between the 18 massive columns that provide structural support to the different levels of the Tokamak Complex, walls will be made of a special, high-density concrete (3.9 tonnes per cubic metre as compared to 2.5 tonnes for regular concrete).
The ITER bioshield
2015-10-12 - Work to install the rebar of the 3.2-metre-thick bioshield was carried out from April to September 2015. Pouring activities are about to begin.
The Tokamak Building
2015-09-29 - In the centre of the Tokamak Pit, concrete pouring for the columns has ended. Work to pour the ITER bioshield begins in October.
Perfect alignment
2015-09-21 - From the sky, it's easy to see how the assembly cranes will deliver their loads from the Assembly Hall (grey roof) along a 175-metre crane bay into the Tokamak Pit. © MatthieuCOLIN.com
In a few years ...
2015-09-11 - One day, the Tokamak Building (under construction, foreground) will be as high as the just-topped Assembly Building.
According to plan
2015-07-10 - A milestone was met in July when propping and formwork operations got underway for the next basement level of the Tokamak Complex.
In July 2015
2015-07-10 - On the Tritium Building site of the worksite, workers have completed the concrete pouring for the external wall. Work continues on interior walls and columns.
A circle in white
2015-07-10 - The white scaffolding marks out the ITER bioshield, a three-metre-thick concrete wall that will surround the tokamak and cryostat.
Sturdy as they come
2015-07-10 - These massive columns will support the B1 (basement 1) level of the Diagnostic Building.
First B1 formwork
2015-07-07 - In the Diagnostic Building area, workers have started to install formwork for the next-level floor.
A white circle is apparent
2015-07-07 - Looking into the Tokamak Pit from the south rim. It's easy to see where Tokamak assembly will take place in a few years.
Walls going up
2015-07-07 - B2-level wall emerge on the Tritium Building side of the Tokamak Pit.
Summer 2015
2015-07-07 - The ITER office buildings will be closed for one week in August, but there will be no pause in the activity on the work site ...
All kinds of shapes
2015-06-03 - Seen from the main ITER office building, the facade of the Tokamak Complex is changing at a fast pace. The column of openings to the left shows where the cask and plug robotic system will move components between the Hot Cell Facility and the port openings at different levels of the machine. The four circular openings will allow the passage of the high voltage transmission lines for the neutral beam systems (diagnostic neutral beam far left, neutral beam heating three on right).
First basement level advances well
2015-06-03 - A fisheye lens allows the full breadth of the future Tritium Building (foreground) to be captured in a photo. The construction of pillars and walls for the B2 basement level is advancing.
A black and white perspective
2015-05-30 - In the foreground: Diagnostic Building pillars. In the background: framing the walls of the Tokamak Building. Photo: Christian Lünig/ VG Bild und Kunst
Framing out the bioshield
2015-05-30 - The ITER bioshield is a 3.2-metre-thick circular structure surrounding the Tokamak, whose role is to protect workers and the environment from radiation generated by the fusion reactions. The bioshield is under construction now. Photo: Christian Lünig/ VG Bild und Kunst¶
Hot Cell storage area
2015-05-05 - In the foreground, the area excavated for the future ITER Hot Cell is used to store, and pre-assemble, the materials used for wall construction.
Central ring
2015-05-05 - When closed up, at the end of ITER assembly, the bioshield will completely surround the machine. Here, the white formwork marks out the very lowest level of the protective wall. Photo: F4E
Fire mesh
2015-05-05 - A "fire mesh" is being welded to the outer rebar of each radial wall. The mesh will sit just under the "skin" (15 to 20 millimetres) of the concrete surface and prevent spalling (splintering) in the case of fire.
1/18th of the cryostat crown and bioshield
2015-05-05 - This construction mockup reproduces 1/18th of the crown that will support the cryostat and surrounding bioshield. Photo: F4E
2,000 hands
2015-05-05 - About 200 workers are involved in Tokamak Complex construction at this stage, and another 800 elsewhere on the platform. Photo: F4E
Future "Diagnostic Hotel"
2015-05-05 - Walking through the hallways of the future Diagnostic Building will feel a little like walking along the corridors of a hotel, with doors on every side opening to the back-end systems for specific diagnostics. Photo: F4E
The heart of construction
2015-05-05 - In May, reinforcement operations are underway in the Tokamak Building, which will house the machine and a wide number of systems. Photo: F4E
Graphic shapes
2015-04-21 - These graphic shapes mark the spots reserved for embedded plates in this section of Tokamak Complex wall.
Pillars in place
2015-04-21 - The last pillars of the Diagnostics Building were poured late April. Beginning mid-2015, work will begin on the second Tokamak Complex level (B1).
See-through formwork
2015-04-21 - In April, Plexiglas formwork is installed along the circle of rebar that marks out the ITER bioshield. The transparent material allows workers to verify the position of the bioshield's future embedded plates and studs (drawn onto the formwork) during the installation of the reinforcement rods.
A rebar forest
2015-04-21 - Vertical rebar marks out the internal walls of the Diagnostics Building and—in the centre—the bioshield.
Shaping the pillars and more
2015-03-04 - On the B2 level of the Tokamak Complex basemat, there are 250 independent "pours" to be carried out, including the pillars (pictured). The work should be completed by May. Photo: Engage
900 workers on site
2015-03-04 - In March, 900 workers are engaged in construction activities on the ITER worksite and 300 more are expected in the weeks to come. Photo: Engage
In the basement of the Tokamak Complex
2015-03-04 - This concrete pillar, and others like it, will support the B1 level of the Diagnostics Building basement. Photo: Engage
That's crowded!
2015-02-15 - The dense reinforcement of the ITER crown (a thick, circular concrete structure connected to the three-metre-thick bioshield by radial concrete walls) is illustrated in the real-size mockup currently under construction on the platform. Photo : F4E
Room for the bend
2015-02-15 - The first machine element to be installed in the pit is an elbow-shaped feeder component. It will be slid into place through this break in the crown. © Les Nouveaux Médias/SNC ENGAGE
Part of the cryostat crown, in full scale
2015-02-15 - Part of the cryostat crown and the ITER bioshield are being reproduced in this on-site mockup. For a structural element as complex and as strategic as the crown, which will support the weight of the machine and cryostat, this intermediate step is necessary to demonstrate constructability. Photo: F4E
Flurries in February
2015-02-12 - In the 80 x 120 metre Tokamak Pit, where scaffolding is up for the first basement-level walls, a few flurries in February complicated works.
The first wall of the Tokamak Complex
2015-01-16 - In January, workers complete the first wall of the Diagnostics Building, on the south side of the Tokamak Complex.
Basement-level walls
2015-01-16 - The first B2-level wall is now in place on the Diagnostic Building side of the basemat. A gap of approximately 2 metres will separate the Tokamak Complex from the retaining walls; this gap will permit the Complex to move on its seismic pads as one block in the case of earthquake.
Wall pouring continues
2014-12-19 - Three wall sections have been poured for the basement level walls of the Tokamak Complex. The formwork panels used to frame out the sections are assembled by fours before being transported by crane to the work area.
Ready, set ...
2014-12-18 - Everything's ready for tomorrow's first pour in one corner of the Tokamak Complex Seismic Pit. Photo: F4E
Long arms needed
2014-11-29 - Pouring activities for the first basement-level walls of the Tokamak Complex are taking place approximately 12 metres below the level of the platform. Photo: F4E
First two walls
2014-11-29 - The first walls of the Tokamak Complex are going up in the southern corners of the Seismic Pit, at left (completed) and at right (underway). Photo: F4E
Level B2
2014-11-20 - Work on the first level walls of the Tokamak Complex (basement level B2) is expected to last until mid-2015.
Progress on the B2 level
2014-11-20 - In the Tokamak Complex Seismic Pit, work on the lowest basement level (B2) progresses well. The pillars have all been poured for the Diagnostics Building (far end) and the external walls of the Tritium Building are in place (left). In the centre, preparatory work is underway in advance of concrete pouring for the bioshield.
Walls: the first pour
2014-11-20 - Concrete pouring for the first wall of the Diagnostics Building takes place on 20 November.
Where the work is starting
2014-11-18 - The ITER Tokamak Complex Seismic Pit: 120 metres long, 80 metres wide.
Underway now
2014-10-28 - In order to demonstrate the full constructability of the massive crown structure that will support the machine, a 1:1 mockup is being erected on the ITER platform.
Prepared for heavy loads
2014-10-28 - A third crane is now in place in the centre of the basemat. Five tall cranes—one on every corner and one in the centre—will soon be in place for the construction of the Tokamak Complex.
First walls in November
2014-10-28 - Scaffolding, reinforcement bars - everything is ready for the first Tokamak Complex walls to be poured in November.
Giants
2014-10-27 - Three of the five cranes planned for Tokamak Complex construction activities will rise over 75 metres (76 m, 80 m and 82 m) and have lifting capacities of 6-8 tons at the tip of their 55- to 65-metre-long booms.
Propping and formwork in October
2014-10-20 - Propping work has begun on the south end of the Seismic Pit. In November, the first walls will be poured for the Diagnostics Building. Photo: Engage
A new phase for ITER
2014-10-20 - Formwork is positioned for the first walls of the Diagnostics Building. The beginning of wall construction marks a new phase in ITER construction: the four-year drive to build the Tokamak Complex and eight other buildings. Photo: Engage
The ITER Tokamak Complex
2014-10-01 - Seven storeys tall—including two basement levels—the ITER Tokamak Complex is in fact three buildings: the Tokamak Building (centre), the Tritium Building (left) and the Diagnostics Building (right).
Tall cranes going up
2014-10-01 - In one corner of the Seismic Pit, a tower crane is going up to prepare for the next phase of work: the pouring of the B2 slab that will act as a floor to the three buildings of the Tokamak Complex.
A home for the Tokamak
2014-10-01 - The 23,000-tonne ITER Tokamak will have a seven-storey home. Machine assembly will begin two levels underground.
