IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR - ROD YOUNG | BTS
representing oneself solely. The entire BTS is actively seeking to expand its network and connect with other organisations. In November 2024, we hosted a joint meeting with
The Concrete Society, in Glasgow. We have also been collaborating with the York Railway Museum, providing assistance with various renovation projects and potential future displays. Additionally, we have engaged in discussions with the Brunel Museum in Rotherhithe, which acquired photographs and technical drawings created by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his colleagues. To enhance our connections, the BTS Chair invites
a guest from the industry to attend the Annual Dinner. This year, I asked Katherine McAlpine, the director of the Brunel Museum, while last year, I invited Andy Flowerday, my director at Barhale, as a token of appreciation for the company’s support. I have received unwavering support from Barhale over the past 15-20 years, particularly during my tenure as Chair and Vice Chair, and the time spent on the committee. Barhale has never hesitated to allow me the time to enable me to be active in this endeavour. The BTS anniversary book has been published to
deserved praise. It is a major achievement and an excellent presentation of the Society through the decades and the work of tunnellers.** Another ongoing project is the development of a
five-to-10-year plan for BTS. We are actively assessing areas for improvement, identifying potential changes, and determining the direction we wish to take in various aspects of the industry.
Technical achievements and progress At the BTS Conference, the Chair delivers the David Wallace Lecture. While there is no specific format or guidelines for the lecture, at the Conference held in October 2022, in London, I chose to explore the topic of ‘A Past to be Proud of; A Future that Looks Green.’ This lecture delved into the achievements of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the remarkable progress made since then, while also examining the remarkable journey of BTS over the past five decades. The evolution of tunnelling technology has been
a significant aspect of this progress. From the use of timber linings to cast iron, concrete, and sprayed concrete, tunnel linings have undergone a transformative journey. Currently, there is growing interest in the potential of 3D printing to manufacture lining segments directly behind tunnel boring machines (TBMs), which could lead to substantial cost savings in transportation. Beyond technological advancements, artificial
intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in tunnelling. AI enables predictive ground condition analysis and settlement prevention, reducing the likelihood of underground breakdowns. Additionally, AI- driven predictive maintenance ensures the longevity of machinery, minimising the frequency of repairs. The design and operation of TBMs have also
undergone significant improvements. TBMs can now
be remotely controlled from the surface, allowing for greater precision and efficiency. Laser scanning technology has been employed to assess tunnel conditions, extending beyond challenging narrow passages. Even road tunnels can be traversed in a matter of minutes, providing a comprehensive scan that facilitates maintenance and extends their lifespan. We are enhancing safety and optimising efficiency
through technological advancements that eliminate the necessity for human access to tunnels. Utilising drones, we have implemented a system for recording information, which has undergone continuous improvement. For instance, consider a tunnel inspected a few years
ago. Its diameter was 2.54m, necessitating manual inspection by physically descending into the tunnel. At that time, drones could only travel a kilometre. Today, this inspection could have been completed without human intervention. Drones are versatile and can be employed in both large-diameter and micro-tunnel applications, spanning the entire spectrum. By implementing a comprehensive digital survey, we
have significantly reduced man-hours and downtime for the tunnel, thereby enhancing the overall health and safety aspect. Based on our past achievements, current status, and
societal and industry trends, we have reason to be proud of our accomplishments. The future appears promising and environmentally sustainable.
Outreach goes on Although I have recently retired as Chair of the BTS, I remain actively involved in various activities for the Society. I currently oversee the Health and Safety course, held in November each year. As a representative of the BTS, I attended a Lunch in
mid-October 2024 for all past recipients of the James Clark Medal. The following week, a Lunch for the newly elected ICE President, and was invited to the Federation of Piling Specialists’ Dinner. In December, I attended the AGM of the NEIMME, where I proposed myself for membership on the Council which was accepted. My primary objective is to promote small-bore tunnelling within that region and potentially inspire others to pursue this field. In essence, I am transitioning from one role to
another. While my tenure as BTS Chair has concluded, I anticipate that my schedule will continue to be fully occupied.
As BTS continues its co-operation with other industry societies, for more details of Rod Young’s lecture on Rutland Water transfer tunnel, on 13 Feb 2025, and other lectures at NEIMME:
https://mininginstitute.org.uk/neimme-lectures
* **
The BTS book can be ordered through the BTS website:
https://britishtunnelling.com/bts-at-50-book/bts-at-50
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