Modern technology is continually advancing the field:
Digital Integration (BIM): Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to plan, design, and simulate the entire tunnel construction process digitally, ensuring greater accuracy and coordination between all project phases.
Fibre-Reinforced Concrete: Replacing traditional steel reinforcement with steel or polymer fibres to improve durability, crack resistance, and speed up production.
Real-Time Monitoring (IoT): Embedding sensors within the segments and TBM to monitor stress, temperature, ground pressure, and alignment in real-time, allowing for immediate adjustments and enhanced safety.
Sustainable Materials: Developing concrete mixes that incorporate recycled aggregates or supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash or slag to reduce the carbon footprint of production.
