ABSTRACT

Machinized tunnelling is increasingly becoming a knowledge-driven industry based on highly advanced IT-and automation-techniques. Compared to the situation at the end of the last century, present-day tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are more like computers connected to sensor-networks and embedded into a larger on-site communication infrastructure. Hence, the available data had reached a level of quality that makes it feasible for automatic computerized processing. Against the background of an increasing demand for the reduction of ground-related risks, problems and costs, the use of an automated steering assistance system is absolute essential.