The ATC² Symposium on November 14 at the Villa Blanka provided a huge exploration of the navigating challenges in alpine tunnel engineering, with a special focus on complex projects in demanding geological conditions in alpine terrain. Throughout the day, experts highlighted innovations in tunnel boring machine (TBM) design emphasizing improved cutterhead performance, discussed the role of the construction site manager (or, as you can see more and more often these days: documentation specialist), and presented breakthroughs in slurry microtunnelling technology for hard rock environments or in automation of the application of shotcrete.
A significant theme of the symposium was the growing role of Tunnel Information Modelling (TIM) in modern tunnelling projects. 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.
Discussions also addressed the evolving contractual and operational challenges in large-scale tunnelling, particularly in alpine and geologically complex regions. Next year, for example Italy is set to launch as many tunnelling projects as normally are 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 fiber optic sensors in the Kühtai power station, showcased how cutting-edge technologies are improving monitoring and performance in alpine tunnelling.
The event concluded a forward-looking dialogue, emphasizing that the future of tunnelling lies in continuous technological advancement, digital transformation, and a cooperation of science and industry.
Thank you to every one who made this is event so special, especially we want to thank all of our Sponsors again!
We are looking forward to next year in Leoben.
Your iBT-Team