WORKSHOP REPORT | BTSYM


DOTS: A KNOWLEDGE FRAMEWORK


CONNECTING THE A recent workshop for young members of the BTS discussed a Tunnel Engineering


Knowledge Framework, and the conversations proved relevant for all tunnel engineers. The workshop was developed and led by Si Shen, Technical Director (Bored Tunnels) with Rendel, and former Head ofTunnelling and Geotechnics at Typsa. He provides a report on the aim and outcomes of the workshop


INTRODUCTION On 15 May, a technical workshop titled ‘Connecting the Dots: A Tunnel Engineering Knowledge Framework’ was delivered to the British Tunnelling Society Young Members (BTSYM) at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), in London. The topic of the workshop was aimed at early-career


Below:


A hypothetical tunnel project was discussed in the BTSYM workshop ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY OF SI SHEN


tunnel engineers, and personally chosen by the author, had the intention of highlighting the distinctive role tunnel engineers play within the broader field of civil engineering. The session was conducted in an open, interactive, and free-form style, allowing the audience to shape the content based on their individual skill sets, interests, and professional backgrounds. Several key insights – shared either through prepared module or emerging from Q&A discussions – proved


to be universally relevant for all tunnel engineers. A summary of these messages is provided below.


A ‘KNOWLEDGE TREE’ Despite the title of the workshop, the author believes that ‘Knowledge Tree’ is a more fitting term than ‘Knowledge Framework’, as a tree symbolises growth – reflecting the continuous accumulation of knowledge throughout one’s career. In his early career, author acquired knowledge in an


unstructured manner. However, over time, he began to understand the importance of grasping the ‘trunk’ of the knowledge tree – that is, the fundamental principles. Once these core concepts were clear, the ‘branches’ of more specialised knowledge became much easier to develop.


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