By rosebell
On November 14 focus of the ATC2 Symposium in Innsbruck was on challenges in alpine tunnel engineering, with a special attention on complex projects in demanding geological conditions in alpine terrain.
Highlighted innovations in TBM design, experts emphasised on improved cutterhead performance and discussed the role of the construction site manager; and presented breakthroughs in slurry microtunnelling technology for hard rock environments or in automation of the application of shotcrete, over that day.
While the growing role of Tunnel Information Modelling (TIM) in modern tunnelling projects was a significant theme of this symposium, presentations demonstrated its practical applications in preliminary designs, such as the Dresden-Prague Ore Mountains tunnel, and in the digital documentation of Austrian railway tunnels. These examples illustrated how TIM is transforming both planning and execution phases, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
Consideing that evolving contractual and operational challenges in large-scale tunneling, particularly in alpine and geologically complex regions were also the main points of discussions, they talked about Italy’s next year plan that is set to commission as many tunneling projects as are normally launched in the rest of Europe combined, raising concerns about a potential shortage of expertise and skilled professionals for these ambitious undertakings.
Case studies, including the Lyon-Turin project, offered valuable lessons on overcoming design difficulties and managing the uncertainties of such environments. Innovative applications, like the use of fibre optic sensors in the Kühtai power station, showcased how cutting-edge technologies are improving monitoring and performance in alpine tunneling.
Additionally, a discussion emphasising that the future of tunneling lies in continuous technological advancement, digital transformation, as well as co-operation between science and industry was the conclusion of this event.
The Leoben will host next year’s event.
