INTRODUCTION
In 2022, Rod Young was appointed as the Chair of the British Tunnelling Society (BTS). Soon after commencing his tenure, T&TI engaged in a profile interview with him to discuss his aspirations and objectives for the organisation. Subsequently, after completion of his tenure, we sought his insights and reflections on the accomplishments achieved and the remaining challenges.
Rod discusses his time as BTS Chair below.
TENURE AS BTS CHAIR
My two years as BTS Chair passed swiftly. Initially, I was immersed in the process of taking over, and now, I have now passed the baton.
Some of the objectives I set out to achieve have been realised; others remain and are ongoing.
Microtunnelling
When I commenced my two years as Chair, one of my primary objectives was to enhance the understanding of microtunnelling within the broader tunnelling industry. While my career has been predominantly focused on microtunnelling, and although we have the Pipe Jacking Association (PJA) for that sector, I have consistently felt that the BTS should also serve as a platform for smaller diameter tunnelling.
Over the two years as Chair, enhanced efforts on this aspect have resulted in increased awareness that microtunnelling is an integral part of the industry.
At the most recent BTS Conference (Oct 2024, London), we dedicated an entire section, comprising an hour of presentations from three micro-tunnellers who are members of the BTS. The plan for future events is to include another section on some form of small-bore tunnelling during the next BTS Conference. We have organised presentations on the subject at BTS Thursday technical evenings at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), in London, and we are planning presentations at some of the conferences for BTS younger members with the intention of fostering ideas for future generations.
There are numerous informal connections between individuals who may belong to both the Pipe Jacking Association (PJA) and the BTS. I attend their meetings, and they attend ours. However, there are also numerous formal links: a small-bore tunnels group has emerged within the International Tunnelling Association (ITAAITES), which is a fortunate coincidence. I am pleased that the significance of this development has been recognised by others.
Regional connections
Another imperative for the BTS is to foster stronger connections with other regions of the country. Not all tunnels are constructed in the Southeast, and not all tunnellers reside near London.
As a mining engineer from Newcastle, I have consistently been a member of the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (NEIMME). In April 2024, I delivered a presentation to them on undertrack crossings, and I will be presenting another one in February 2025, this time on the Rutland tunnel which conveys river water to the Rutland Water reservoir. Recently, we conducted an inspection of the tunnel, and the intricacies of its operation were thoroughly captivating. For further information, please visit Newcastle in February.*
Importance of In-person Meetings
Attendance at BTS Thursday evenings has significantly increased since the pandemic. While we continue to stream the talks through YouTube, a substantial number of members have returned to attending in person. This in-person interaction offers numerous benefits, including informal discussions, problem-solving, and the opportunity to connect with fellow tunnellers face-toface. One notable evening saw an attendance of more than160 people, which is a substantial increase from the average of around 110 attendees.
Initiatives, links, industry trends
During my tenure, several other initiatives were implemented to engage with tunnellers. An annual group from the United States visits Europe, exploring various tunnelling projects in different countries. When they visited the UK, as BTS Chair I was invited to attend their dinner, where I delivered a speech focused on microtunnelling and promoting involvement in this aspect of work.
I anticipate that this level of microtunnelling will become more frequent in the coming years, particularly in the UK, where major projects such as HS2, Tideway, Crossrail, and Hinkley Point will be complete or nearing completion, coinciding with a substantial increase in workload for water authorities commencing in the new AMP8 in April 2025.
Every five years, the UK water authorities undergo a process with OFWAT, which establishes new procedures and objectives to be achieved. This process outlines projects that need to be undertaken, including improvements in discharge quality and the renewal of aging assets. Overall, the workload and expenditure are projected to rise substantially. The April 2025 date marks the commencement of these changes. The water authorities spend profile is projected to nearly double, and some of this expenditure will involve tunnelling projects, which are anticipated to be beneficial. I believe that a significant portion of this will include smallerdiameter tunnelling as part of the solutions.
Large-diameter projects will still be undertaken, such as in the energy sector where Coire Glas, a substantial 1,300MW hydropower project in the Great Glen of the Highlands, and, Sizewell C nuclear station are expected to begin major construction in the near future.
As noted, a central focus has been for the BTS to foster connections with other organisations. This involves increasing interactions with individuals across the industry, particularly as Chair, which presents more opportunities for engagement compared to 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, AIdriven 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.
