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Tunnels play a crucial role in shaping the modern world, from transportation networks to utility infrastructure, they create pathways. It was estimated that in 2019, 1,615 tunnel projects were under construction worldwide, with almost 5,200KM of tunnels built each year. Projects such as these are fraught with complex challenges which project stakeholders and engineers must address and overcome.

A primary hurdle that engineers face in and during tunnel construction is the geological variability. The Earth’s subsurface can be complex, with the soil and rock composition varying drastically in certain spaces. This requires constant adjustments of techniques and methods to suit. Groundwater poses particular challenges. Before starting the project, project stakeholders must clearly identify areas contain groundwater in permeable strata and the presence of faults, joints and fissure which can promote flow and lead to potential flooding. Once areas are identified, the correct procedure must be in place to allow to safeguard tunnel construction and implement effective long term waterproofing and/or drainage systems. Care needs to be taken to ensure that water inflow does not adversely affect surrounding assets built on compressible materials.

During the construction phase of tunnels, there are numerous moving parts that need to all come together in a cyclic and repeatable process to build it efficiently. Limited access and space produces challenging logistics for machinery, equipment and workers. Managing all this in tight spaces can be a tricky and may result in safety concerns and project delays if the right processes and planning are not in place.

Today, there is a lot of emphasis on ensuring sustainable practices in construction. Thus, balancing the construction needs with environmental preservation is of the upmost importance. Project engineers must ensure that the impact on the ecosystem and groundwater sources is minimum, and doesn’t have any long lasting effects in the surrounding areas.

Despite the challenges that are constantly faced in tunnelling projects, engineers can effectively and safely build tunnels, overcoming the challenges mentioned through the use of the right tools and software. The MissionOS platform from Maxwell GeoSystems has proven itself as the go-to software for tunnelling projects to provide improved assurance to the project management and to stakeholders.

The software has been used on a number of flagship tunnelling projects around the world, including LA Metro and North East Boundary Tunnel in the USA, HS2 (High-Speed Rail) and Thames Tideway, both in the UK, DTSS2 in Singapore and metro projects in Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne.

To read more on the capabilities of MissionOS for tunnelling projects, visit: Tunnel Construction Software