Tunnelling

The purpose of tunnelling is to maximise underground space, particularly in urban environments where there isn’t enough space on the surface. It’s important to get the right balance between depth and size, to minimise impact on the surrounding structures and make the right decision for the purpose, location, programme and cost. The sector covers all kinds of underground engineering, including soft-ground bored tunnels, rock tunnels, shafts, caverns, stations and cut-and-cover boxes.

Work opportunities in tunnelling engineering

Tunnelling is a specialist subject involving a combination of geotechnical and structural engineering. There are few tunnelling contractors in the UK, but many consultancies have some involvement as the work often overlaps with other disciplines such as road, rail, metro and utility tunnels. Britain has an international reputation for its tunnelling expertise, so consultants may work abroad. Contractors are more likely to move around within the UK.

Starting out as a graduate tunnel engineer

Tunnelling engineers need a background in civil, structural, geotechnical or mining engineering. At first, graduates will work across the board to get an insight into the different areas, including technical skills, ground investigation, design and the construction process, as well as client relations, finance and the contractual process. Any graduate will spend time on site and in the design office.

Essentials for a career in tunnel construction or design

• A strong technical background in civil, structural, geotechnical or mining engineering.
• A practical mindset.
• Enthusiasm and drive.
• Teamwork and interpersonal skills.

On the job: new developments in tunnel engineering

Technological developments in tunnel-boring machines mean that we can build bigger, longer and deeper tunnels. Materials such as sprayed concrete and fibre reinforcement have made a difference in design and construction methods. Computers now model the construction sequence and calculate stresses and strains, although engineers still need to understand the interface between the ground and the structure to ensure that the results are accurate. Safety is important and there’s increased emphasis on designing out risks.

Working life in tunnelling engineering

Multidisciplinary work means every job is different and you’ll work with a variety of people. There are many opportunities for travel and it’s fascinating to see the different requirements and philosophies of work around the world. On site, projects can run 24 hours a day, so contractors might have to work shifts, while consultants might receive urgent phone calls at the weekend.

Steve Woodrow, CEng ICE, is a technical director at  Faber Maunsell. He has a BEng in civil engineering and has been working in this area for 15 years.