British Tunnelling Society
at the Institution of Civil Engineers
One Great George Street
London SW1P 3AA
Telephone: 0207 222 7722
Direct Line: 0207 665 2229
Direct Fax: 0207 799 1325
Email: bts@britishtunnelling.org.uk
Website: www.britishtunnelling.org.uk
NEWSLETTER
April 2010
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to April 2010’s edition of the newsletter.
The meetings for the 2009/10 season are continuing
apace. In December we had the annual debate which
this year was chaired and organized by the BTS Young
Members Committee. The subject of the debate was
whether the UK had enough future engineering
resources.
January’s meeting saw Alan Auld of Auld Associates give
a presentation to a packed audience on construction of
deep mining shafts.
Construction of Road Tunnels in Iceland on the
Hédinsfjardargöng Project was the subject of February’s
talk by Ermín Stehlík.
March saw a presentation by Michael Gutzeit & Hans-
Juergen Bartschat on the construction of the Gotthard
Base Tunnel.
INTERNATIONAL TUNNELLING ASSOCIATION
Martin Knights was elected to the role of co-organizer of
the Euro Task Force at the recent Euro meeting in
Frankfurt to ensure EU funding for R&D to meet future
needs of European Infrastructure networks. Delegates
to the meeting represent large European contractors,
Government and University Research Groups, EU and
regional government representatives.
Martin’s role as co organizer for this Euro Task Force is
to help present a logical and well defined case to the EU
to secure funding research for Construction R&D that
requires investment now to meet future network
challenges in Europe—rail/road/utilities. Infrastructure
networks are essential for each European country to
survive. Inter-European connectivity in networks is also
important for security, efficiency, cost reductions, and
1 British Tunnelling Society Newsletter April 2010
reducing the impact of regional shortages etc. There are
approximately 50 European members of the Task Force
ranging from Lithuania to Portugal; from large to small
countries; from countries that have mature networks to
those that are just breaking out of the imprisonment of
Soviet legacy networks. Without good networks the
eastern bloc EU members will simply fail to compete or
connect with European networks and will be at the
mercy of those who have the technology and they will
have to pay the cost. There are some common features
that all European countries share and it is these areas that
the task force will focus on so that there are meaningful
shared benefits.
How does this affect the tunnelling industry?
There is a shared belief within the Group that scarcity of
surface space in urban areas will be a threat to the quality
of life in generations to come, including challenges for
infrastructure networks. So one of the aspects of the
Vision of the group--yet to be fully defined/agreed--is to
make sure that technology improvements in ITC to
ensure fuller efficiency of the existing flow in
underground networks is realized; so that mechanized
methods can make tunnelling more attractive (i.e. cost
and time) and able to meet challenging strata; municipal
planning mechanisms to encourage developers to make
more rational choices that include use of underground
for storage, commercial premises, waste and energy
facilities etc.
Current challenge is to agree TOR and Vision and of
course allocation of duties and workload--no pressure
then!!
Martin will cease to be President of the ITA in May this
year and had his final Executive Committee Meeting in
Dorking in February. The BTS organized a dinner with
Chairman Paul Hoyland giving a welcome speech.
 Reviewed by Martin Knights, President of the International
Tunnelling Association, February 2010

FUTURE MEETINGS and EVENTS Benjamin Franklin said that there is nothing certain but
death and taxes. The tunnel world equivalent must be
maintenance and repair.
All meetings now start at the Institution at 18.00
unless stated, with tea and coffee on the lower Maintenance and repair are often regarded as the
ground floor from 17.30. The bar opens at 17.30 and Cinderella of Tunnel Infrastructure. A good deal of
is open until late. Flysheets on the details of the existing essential underground infrastructure is
meetings are circulated in advance in T&TI and operationally vital and without which the public would
details are also posted on the website a month or so quickly learn just how vital it was if left unmaintained.
in advance of the meeting.
A recent CIRIA publication contributes to the need to
15th Apr 2010 Harding Lecture – raise the issues confronting owners of aging
Presentation by Alastair infrastructure – not just in the UK which provides the
Biggart - “The Development data and case studies, but also globally. Everything we
and Use of Closed face build underground now will be a legacy needing care and
Tunnelling “Machines” attention. So not only do we need to ensure that our
future underground infrastructure is durable, but we have
20th May 2010 West Ham Flood Alleviation to deal with the legacy of infrastructure built long ago.
Scheme and AGM Indeed most of UK’s existing underground infrastructure
is technically past its intended design life including that
17th June 2010 Atlantic Sea Tunnels in belonging to London Underground and Thames Water.
Norway This would apply equally to most European towns and
cities, the eastern seaboard cities of America and many
16th Sept 2010 Tunnelling in Seattle – Past, other established global metropolises.
Present and Future
CIRIA to their credit have recognised the issues and
21st Oct 2010 Sir Alan Muir-Wood provided a practical guide for owners, designers and
Symposium (replacing the contractors for a range of tunnel types, construction and
BTS meeting) uses. The publication limits its brief to those tunnels
constructed in the first half of the 20th Century and
18th Nov 2010 Pittsburgh North Shore before. It specifically excludes considerations for insitu
Connector and sprayed concrete, immersed tunnels and pipejacked
tunnels. It does not dwell on proprietary forms of
16th Dec 2010 Baggage Tunnel Design and equipment that are used in the repair of tunnels. The
Construction at Heathrow publication focuses predominantly on brickwork tunnels,
Airport cast iron and steel and precast concrete linings, and
masonry linings. Even given the above stated exclusions
the contents will be essential reading for those involved
Steve Parker
in maintaining the aging underground assets of Rail,
Steve.Parker2@Tubelines.com
Metro, Water, Sewerage and Utility companies.

The book’s main strengths are the methodologies for

BTS WEBSITE
evaluation of existing conditions, planning and
undertaking many forms of repair, bibliography and the
www.britishtunnelling.org.uk.
generous allocation for numerous case studies(albeit
mainly for brickwork structures). Indeed half the book is
Any suggestions – contact Nathan.Wilmot@arup.com
devoted to appendices and reference data (half of which
in turn is devoted to the case studies). The contents are
presented in a readable and common format and are
BOOK REVIEW
supported by references to the case studies and relevant
CIRIA Publication (2009) C671: Standards and publications. There seems to be a wealth
Tunnels: Inspection, Assessment and Maintenance of research information for the authors and it is to their
credit that they have produced a publication that
Authors on behalf of CIRIA: condenses that database into a focussed, relevant and
Leo McKibbins—Richard Elmer—Kevin Roberts practical manner giving a range of methodologies and
circumstances (water, sulphates, corrosion, fire, etc.).
471 pages /softback

2 British Tunnelling Society Newsletter April 2010

The reviewer is not tasked with a critical account of the
CIRIA publication and wishes to inform the BTS that
here is a worthy reference prepared by a renowned
research organisation that has produced a very good
summary dealing with a much neglected subject – aging
tunnel and shaft infrastructure. The book is highly
recommended for owners, designers, contractors, and
materials specialists that undertake maintenance and
repair of underground assets.
Dealing with the built underground infrastructure is like
dealing with the human body. A bit of care and attention
on a regular basis helps to mitigate the aging effect with
the occasional surgery. The CIRIA report describes the
Botox, face lifts, `snips`, and skin creams of the tunnel
world -`because it’s worth it!!`
During the preparation of this review a parallel and relevant
book was also published by the Institution of Civil Engineering
UK entitled “Asset management – whole life management of
physical assets”. Edited by Chris Lloyd the book makes for an
interesting, if wider picture of the current way society, decision
makers and industry deal with the complete management of
physical assets. The book is a series of essays by Asset
Management (AM) practitioners ranging from culture systems to
analysis.
AM has traditionally been a technically focussed discipline and
generally reactive. Like the CIRIA publication the book says it
is time for a holistic approach, taking into account
organisational and strategy components; a government component
and of course the technical component (i.e. a clear strategy
linking government policy with physical asset options and
investment requirements to make infrastructure more resilient).
Recent UK press reports have observed the dearth of engineering
or science (or even industry) background of politicians whose
decision making on infrastructure sometimes shows expediency
and lack of systematic assessment when faced with global issues
such as global warming, climate change, security and strategic
risk, scarcity of resource, etc (issues close to the ICE’s heart).
Perhaps Asset management’s time has come?
If the two publications can demonstrate the need to take repair
and maintenance from the reactive to the strategic level and front
end of decision making, then Engineers can enter the
mainstream corporate, and government decision making when
considering key underground infrastructure solutions that are
critical for society to function.
We as a profession must influence the long term interests of
society and refute short term efficiency targets that drive current
government decision making.
3 British Tunnelling Society Newsletter April 2010
HEALTH & SAFETY
SAFETY, STANDARDS AND CODES UPDATE
The Specification For Tunnelling 3rd Edition - The
BTS Specification for Tunnelling has now been
published and is currently available for sale at the
reduced price of £36 from Thomas Telford Ltd. The
committee would like to thank Mike Francis and the rest
of the sub-committee on their excellent work in
producing this document.
Remember that you can also download for free the
following documents from the BTS website by clicking
on the Publications link :
Tunnelling and Pipejacking: Guidance for Designers
The Management of Hand-Arm Vibration in Tunnelling
The Joint Code of Practice for Risk Management of Tunnel
Works in the UK
Occupational Exposure to Nitrogen Monoxide in a Tunnel
Environment
UNDERGROUND HEALTH AND SAFETY
COURSE
Following the successful courses held in 2008 and 2009,
the course will be held again this year on the 22nd and
23rd November 2010.
The BTS H&S courses are taking on a new relevance as
we move to define training regimes for tunnelling
engineers, which will include, as one might expect, the
BTS courses. All candidates this year will receive a disc
of the presentations and an attendance certificate.
Ben.McAlinden@ice.org.uk
Bob.Ibell@lbassoc.co.uk
TUNNELSKILLS LAUNCH SAFETY PASSPORT
SCHEME
TunnelSkills, the UK Tunnelling industry’s specialist
training forum, continues to make good progress with its
objective of a fully trained and competent work force
underground.
The membership of TunnelSkills has expanded
significantly and now includes the majority of UK tunnel
contractors and labour supply companies.
The Tunnelling Safety Passport has been developed as a
basic safety qualification, designed to be taken before
anyone is permitted underground. A working group
developed both the training course content, and the test
material, before an industry launch in September 2009.
Training courses have been held to qualify trainers, and
the first courses have taken place, with the first Safety
Passports awarded.
Arrangements have been made for the running of the
Safety Passport Database and the issue of Passports, and
the Safety Passport Website is under production.
Regrettably there have been certain IT problems with the
training packs which have delayed the issuing of these
and the final training session for accredited trainers.
Work has progressed well on developing the training
modules for level 2 tunnelling NVQs. Extensive
discussions have been held on these with the Tunnelling
Academy, and the Academy is now financing the
preparation of the training manuals.
Following behind this is the development of the Level 3
Tunnelling Supervisor NVQ, and a module structure has
been proposed for acceptance. Work is now progressing
on the detailing of the training modules for these.
It is hoped to get the TunnelSkills website up and
running in the near future to provide better all-round
information.
For further information on the work of TunnelSkills, the
Safety Passport Scheme or to be approved as trainer,
please contact Brian Earnshaw, the TunnelSkills forum
Training officer.
brian.earnshaw@mat-consult.com
bob.ibell@lbassoc.co.uk
TUNNEL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
COURSE 2010
The 2010 course will be held at Warwick University
between the 5th and 9th July 2010.
Bookings are now being taken for the course and a
leaflet with course details is now being circulated to
members. This is also available on the BTS Website.
Andrew.Hindmarch@mottmac.com
Kate.Cooksey@morganest.com
Colin.Eddie@morganest.com
YOUNG MEMBERS’ COMMITTEE
The Young Members Committee had their second
lecture on the history of tunnelling on Thursday 25th
February at the ICE with the talk being well received and
attended. The ICE’s Interwise facilities were also trialled
by posting the presentation slides on line.
4 British Tunnelling Society Newsletter April 2010
The website is progressing well and is hoping to go ‘live’
this year.
To join their mailing list – email
Kate.Woolley@mottmac.com
Facebook under BTSYM
Chair: Kate.Cooksey@morganest.com
ANNUAL DINNER
The 2010 Annual Dinner will be held on Friday 7th May
at The Brewery
If you would like to become a sponsor of this event,
please contact the organiser, John Scholey, who will be
delighted to hear from you. He can be contacted in
person at most BTS meetings, or via the ICE secretariat.
Places at the Annual Dinner may be booked via the BTS
website until the end of April, or possibly sooner, if the
current trend continues and we have a sell out.
btsdinner@jacobs.com
LOBBY GROUP
The final meeting of All Party Parliamentary Group for
Underground Space, in the current Parliament, took
place on 2nd March 2010 in the Palace of Westminster.
The annual general meeting was held where the Officers
all agreed to continue until the forthcoming General
Election. So up to the 2010 General Election the
Officers of APGUS are:
Chairman: The Rt. Hon Nick Raynsford MP
Co Chairman: The Earl Attlee
Vice Chairman: Stephen Pound MP
Vice Chairman: The Lord Methuen
Secretary: The Lord Haworth
Treasurer: Andrew Stunell MP
The AGM was followed by a talk on the construction of
the second Tyne Tunnel by Peter Hedley and Trevor
Jackson of the TT2 team. We heard a fascinating talk
about the immersed tube construction methods. In
addition to this our speakers did not pull the punches
when reviewing the problems they experienced with
clashes between local and national planning issues and
protocols. Their experiences drew sympathy from other
regional Parliamentarians present.
Plans are afoot for the re-launch of APGUS after the
General Election. This will take the form of a
presentation and reception in the Houses of Parliament,
either in the summer or autumn depending on how
things evolve. Anyone wishing to express interest in
supporting the Lobby Group is invited to contact Helen
Nattrass.
Email: h.nattrass@sir-robert-mcalpine.com
Tel: 0207 220 2440
GOSSIP
Please send any interesting news about members to
Andrew Hindmarch:
Andrew.Hindmarch@mottmac.com
OBITUARIES
Sir Alan Muir-Wood Memorial Symposium
Plans are progressing well for the Sir Alan Muir Wood
Memorial Symposium. The confirmed speaker list now
includes Professor Robert Mair, Professor John Burland,
Professor David Muir Wood, Professor Paul Jowitt,
Robert Muir Wood, Martin Knights, Andy Alder,
Rodney Craig and John Sharp. Subjects for presentations
include latest thinking on settlement troughs, modelling
of catastrophic coastal flooding, latest on tunnel design
and reviews of currently topical case histories and
design/analysis methods. See the BTS website for the
initial flyer. Final details will be circulated in late May-
early June for registration for both the Symposium and
the Dinner.
Technical information from: Helen Nattrass
h.nattrass@sir-robert-mcalpine.com
Initial expressions of interest in attending to bts@event-
logistics.co.uk, or by telephoning Richard Hart at Event
Logistics, 01460 259776.
BTS CLOSED FACE WORKING GROUP
Copies of the Report continue to sell well. The Report
which costs £65.00 is available from Thomas Telford,
(Tel 44 (0) 1892 832299, Fax 44 (0)1892 837272,
orders@thomastelford.com or via the internet
www.thomastelford.com ) from the ICE bookshop at
Great George Street and other outlets.
5 British Tunnelling Society Newsletter April 2010
TUNNELLING ACADEMY
Tunnelling Academy Training Manual Production
Crossrail is developing the Tunnelling Academy with the
support of the tunnelling industry. The Tunnelling
Academy will address the shortage of skilled
underground workers required to deliver the Crossrail
programme, as well as a number of other major
tunnelling projects being delivered in London and the
UK over the next ten years.
The Tunnelling Academy will be a purpose-built facility
designed to provide high quality tunnelling operations
training while increasing trainees' awareness of the
tunnelling environment and its hazards.
The Tunnelling Academy is inviting expressions of
interest from suitably experienced trainers in the
tunnelling industry to write the manuals for NVQ Levels
2 and 3 in tunnelling and for an Apprenticeship Level 2,
also in tunnelling.
The manuals will be based on the outline specifications
for each programme already developed by
ConstructionSkills and Tunnel Skills. The Tunnelling
Academy requires the manuals to be available for use by
May 2010.
If you are interested in undertaking this piece of work,
please respond with a request for a pre-qualifying
questionnaire along with an outline of your interest in
this work (no more than one A4 page). Your response
can be sent by email to KirstyEvans@crossrail.co.uk or
by post to:
Kirsty Evans
Crossrail Limited
Talent and Resources
Floor 28
25 Canada Square
London
E14 5LQ
Your expressions of interest are sought as soon as
possible.
Once received a pre-qualifying questionnaire will be sent
to you. Completed questionnaires will be due by 18
December 2009.
CONFERENCES
Don’t forget to look at the back pages of Tunnels &
Tunnelling International and Tunnelling and Trenchless
Construction for the conferences coming up over the
next two years. Also refer to the International Tunnelling
Association website www.ita-aites.org.
Bauma 2010, Munich, Germany 19-25 April 2010

“World Tunnel Congress ’10 “Tunnel Vision towards

2020” and 36th ITA General Assembly” 14-20 May 2010,
Vancouver, Canada.

InterTunnel 2010, Turin, Italy 8-10 June 2010

Swiss Tunnel Congress, Lucerne, Switzerland 9-11 June

2010

NAT 2010, June 19-23, 2010, Marriott Downtown

Waterfront Hotel, Portland, Oregon

2011 RETC, June 19 - 22, 2011

San Francisco, California

6 British Tunnelling Society Newsletter April 2010