Leadership discussions required on projects underway.
Stakeholder talks needed before, during and after the subterranean infrastructure is created and in use.
All are aspects of preparing for the use of underground space. Although the works may not always be seen – nor the wonder of what exists below, or the machines and people in their inspired work, and the challenges they overcome – all the spaces that are come to be formed are vital.
This issue of T&TI presents a range of discussion and details on many of these aspects: from the use of Drill and Blast method of excavation on various projects, to spotlights on the evolution of shield tunnelling; on one nation’s long and continuous highlevel activity in tunnelling projects of many kinds, with statistics to share; and, from discussion on the importance of talking with many stakeholders when planning in urban environments, to the research needed to model how to seal off radioactive waste in a location where access will become no more, at a defined point.
All these areas present fascinating windows into what seem only to be tunnels.
The underground is so much more.
It is more at large scale and not least in the smaller scale – as Rod Young emphasised during his tenure (2022-24) as BTS Chair, which he reflects upon for us. He has helped to bring much more awareness and appreciation of trenchless tunnelling, and its growing opportunities.
On large scale projects, we are pleased to share our profile interview with Alastair Biggart, who recounts his early years on London tunnels to then working to lead works in Cairo, the Channel Tunnel, Storebaelt and so much more. And, he considers the evolution of tunnel boring machine technology over those decades.
