Underground construction |
The chance for a better future
Underground space development is a testament to human ingenuity and a solution to modern urbanisation challenges. Ioannis Fikiris, Vice-President of the
International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, gives an insight into the organisation that is leading the way for such engineering feats
Right: Nant de Drance hydropower cavern in Switzerland
Below: Tunnel steel lining and welding in a hydropower tunnel. Underground projects are integral components of hydro projects and water storage reservoirs
THE INDUSTRY RELATED TO underground projects is constantly evolving, and various topics and trends are of interest to professionals and stakeholders in this field. Underground projects are increasingly focusing on minimising their environmental impact and increasing their sustainability through the reduction of carbon emissions, preserving ecosystems, and implementing sustainable construction practices. Concerning urbanisation and infrastructure development, many underground projects are related to expanding urban areas, including subway systems, water supply tunnels, and underground utilities. As cities grow, the use of underground space becomes essential for efficient transportation and infrastructure development. Indeed underground projects are integral components of the system of structures that make up hydroelectric projects or water storage reservoirs. Tunnels or other types of underground structures are used as spillways, water diversion routes, accesses, grouting galleries, water conveyance and storage, shafts, plus underground caverns for energy production equipment etc. There are countless hydropower or dam projects worldwide where underground space
20 | October 2023 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
solutions facilitated the constructability of such projects and enabled their technical feasibility. Across these projects all kinds of challenges such as difficult ground conditions, large depths, adverse working environment etc, have been effectively dealt with. In terms of equipment, the use of sophisticated tunnel boring machines and automation technologies is growing while battery electric vehicles are becoming crucial for operations underground and in tunnels. Such modern machines improve efficiency, safety, and precision in tunnel construction. The industry is also adopting high efficiency digital
tools (digitalisation, BIM, artificial intelligence) to improve project planning, design, construction, and operation as well as maintenance. These technologies enhance collaboration and reduce errors. In the adverse geological environments,
underground projects within difficult geological conditions exhibit numerous challenges. Engineers are developing innovative techniques both to investigate the ground well in advance of construction and to deal with each specific particularity. As existing underground infrastructure is getting
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