New developments in TBM tunnelling for changing grounds

Mechanized tunnelling has seen substantial growth in the recent years in the construction industry for small to large scale infrastructure works. This development is due to a growing number of large-scale projects that were successfully realized with certainty and reliability in construction, compliance with construction schedules and thus supported the economic success of the projects. Tunnel projects are planned and implemented today in changing grounds that could not be realized without the newest technological progress and innovations in mechanized tunnelling. Today’s demand in tunnelling is to construct tunnels with high safety standards especially in urban areas with sensitive geological and hydrogeological conditions. In the context of this publication, new developments in TBM tunnelling related to changing ground conditions are highlighted. References of major infrastructure projects will be addressed that illustrate also the effect and importance of mechanized tunnelling technology used today to complete infrastructure projects on time and with high quality and technical standards.