ABSTRACT
Numerous large diameter tunnelling projects with TBM diameters exceeding the 12 meter mark were completed successfully in the past with acceptable and also outstanding progress in challenging conditions. This has had the effect of encouraging the design of more and more large diameter tunnel projects that are accepted and trusted by the public not only based on outstanding progress but also on the fact that these large scale projects were realized reliably in time, within budget and also fulfilling the demand for high quality standards.
This paper provides an overview on the state of the art mechanized tunnelling technology that is demanded and perspectives on tunnelling projects with large diameters. Highlighted are some projects that provided significant improvement in delivering underground structures which contribute to resilient and sustainable urban solutions.
