There is growing emphasis on eco responsibility in civil engineering projects. Here’s a look at how tunneling schemes are reducing their environmental impact.
Methods of tunnel construction are becoming more advanced and efficient every year, as new technologies and equipment are implemented.
For example, the High Speed Rail project has reached a new milestone as an 8km tunnel drive was completed beneath London, Railway Supply reports.
A giant tunnel boring machine (TBM) named Sushila broke through to a reception chamber that was filled with foam concrete to manage water pressure. Tunnel leak sealing methods were then applied to prevent any water ingress. The chamber, located underneath Ealing in west London, will then be depressurized to allow for the extraction of the TBM.
Subterranean infrastructure is essential to provide us with efficient transportation systems, energy generation and water supply networks, but obviously it has a huge environmental impact. Tunneling disrupts habitats, consumes a significant amount of materials and generates high levels of carbon emissions.
However, there is increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility in civil engineering, particularly for high-profile projects such as HS2. Here’s a look at how such schemes are reducing their environmental impact.
Responsible waste management
Huge amounts of earth are excavated during tunnelling projects. For example, the Sushila TBM has so far excavated 1.2 million tonnes of earth. The majority of this is being channeled back into biodiversity schemes, such as the creation of wildflower meadows. HS2 is the first major infrastructure project in the world to commit to no net loss of biodiversity.
Project managers assess biodiversity through measuring habitats such as grasslands, woodlands and wetlands, and also hedgerows and watercourses. They work closely with ecological specialists to ensure that habitats are created or restored as an integral part of the construction process.
Advanced TBM technology
TBMs such as Sushilia are optimised for energy efficiency and to create minimal disruption to the earth. For example, TMBs are guided by advanced AI computer systems for precision and accuracy, minimising waste and conserving energy.
Air quality control
Projects such as HS2 will ultimately cut carbon emissions by taking diesel and petrol vehicles off the road and making use of trains powered by electricity. As the National Grid is increasingly supplied by renewable energy sources, this will greatly reduce the UK’s environmental impact from transport.
During the construction phase, excavated material will be transported by rail rather than road, and wherever possible construction materials will also be transported by train rather than lorries. This will eliminate the need for hundreds of thousands of lorry journeys over the lifespan of the project.
Air pollution levels are rigorously monitored at all working sites to ensure that they do not exceed predetermined limits.
Carbon reduction initiatives
Net zero carbon emissions targets are now a high priority in engineering projects. For example, the HS2 scheme is making use of AI to optimise the use and cost of materials, incorporating low carbon concrete wherever possible, and maximising use of renewable energy.