ABSTRACT
In civil engineering, tunnel construction has always been based on observations far more than any other construction. Reason for this phenomenon can be seen in the fact, that there is no other condition as decisive as the changing ground conditions in underground construction. Observational methods by their nature are subject of experience, especially when using predominantly manual methods for construction. Experience can be explained as kind of data base of an individual. With the development of information technology it became feasible for almost everybody to collect data, and to work on data base. In addition to this, mechanization started to become an increasing part of underground construction. It was only a question of time when the marriage between information technology and mechanization was to be celebrated.
Parallel hereto, tunnelling became more and more subject of engineering and thus also subject of design. The designers started to develop models, and to develop simulations to model nature in their design office, and to prepare documents for projects on competitive basis. This was the time, when Geomechatronics became the logic consequence of mechanization and the capability, to combine mechanization with information technology. With steadily increasing requirements in regard to quality, safety and economy, the bell of automation and robotic systems is ringing. In accordance with the complex nature of the network consisting of mechanical and civil engineering, civil engineers and especially geotechnical engineers are challenged to develop innovative solutions. Geomechatronics will help to track along this route of interfusion successfully between civil engineers and mechanical engineers, between lining and rock and between individual lining segments.
