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Supporting population growth through tunnels

Supporting the growth of our communities through the delivery and maintenance of state-of-the-art tunnels and tunnel systems.

Tunnels play a critical role in the ongoing delivery and maintenance of the transport infrastructure required to support our modern world. As well as connecting communities, our road and rail tunnels provide pivotal links to support ongoing population growth by allowing people and freight to move more freely across our road and transport networks.

Tunnelling often presents significant engineering challenges requiring practical knowledge, technical skills and commitment to achieve fruitful project outcomes – and, at Aurecon, our tunnel consultants are committed to overcoming these challenges.

Technical engineering specialists unite to offer an integrated service

The depth of our tunnelling experience, and the size of our team, means we are able to successfully deliver on major projects through each stage of the project lifecycle – from pre-construction, right through to construction and asset management.

Our specialised and multidisciplinary team of tunnel consultants can design and deliver tunnels and tunnel systems in complex environments, utilising experience across multiple disciplines, including geotechnical, drainage, fire systems, sustainability, structures, mechanical and electrical engineering.

Whole of project lifecycle expertise - Aurecon
Whole of project lifecycle expertise - Aurecon

An integrated solution

Our tunneling capabilities include:

  • Rock and soft ground tunneling
  • Tunnel mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems
  • Specialist design
  • Materials engineering
  • Tunnel maintenance and refurbishment
  • Geotechnical services
  • Tunnel survey, geometry and visualisation
  • Foundation and excavation support/retention systems design
  • Drill and blast
  • Digital engineering and advisory
  • Understanding and controlling ground water
  • Construction programming

We are dedicated to pioneering tunnel design and have our finger on the pulse when it comes to new technology. We use advanced 2D/3D continuum and discontinuum computer modelling, as well as traditional and practical engineering design methods.

Our internationally renowned engineering experience is exemplified through a diverse portfolio of ambitious tunnelling projects that demonstrate our abilities in design and geotechnical, to design creative and effective solutions, with a user-led approach.

Dr Harry Asche talks tunnelling on ABC Radio Sydney

Aurecon's Dr Harry Asche gives an update to ABC Radio in June 2021 on the numerous tunnelling projects being constructed in Sydney and why different tunnelling methods are used for different locations and ground conditions.

Listen to this podcast

Supporting essential infrastructure

The tunnels we design for our cities and regional areas are successful examples of our state-of-the-art engineering expertise; creating more integrated networks. They are the legacy we continue to leave.

Our tunnel infrastructure experience includes:

We recognise the importance of considering what tomorrow’s road tunnels will look like, so we plan and design roads of the future that consider traditional transportation types, mixed with driverless modes offering multiple service offerings, reliability, improved safety and a different ownership model to today.

Learn more about our approach to roads
Explore how we design transport systems for the user

Aurecon has a strong understanding of the business and economic fundamentals of successful rail and mass transit projects that involve major tunnels. We ensure we understand the specific business operations requirements and success factors and incorporate them into the design, planning and project delivery of rail and mass transit tunnelling projects.

Learn how we connect people and goods

As experienced designers for cable tunnel projects and electricity, water utilities projects, hydropower, dams, reservoirs, bulk conveyance systems, and drainage and sewerage, we provide whole-of-life solutions that incorporate our tunnelling expertise.

Aurecon focuses on assisting energy and resources clients through tailored solutions that will increase direct operating hours, improving reliability and reduce maintenance through operational design solutions, including tunnelling techniques for energy and resources projects.

To meet continuous population growth, governments are increasingly looking to underground space to free valuable land. Underground space requires complex networks of tunnels and large span caverns. Aurecon’s extensive experience designing caverns in excess of 20m span allows us to be at the forefront of the storage revolution.

Learn more

Explore insights

More insights
Aurecon employees inspecting Central Kowloon Route tunnel.

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Get in touch with our people

Or contact an office near you.
Gina Pena Rincon, Aurecon
Gina Peña Rincón

Ground & Underground Engineering Practice Leader – NSW & ACT, Australia

Christian Bodner
Christian Bodner

Design Director – Australia

Cristian Biotto
Cristian Biotto

Principal, Tunnel Systems – Australia

David Oliveira, Aurecon
David Oliveira

Discipline Leader, Ground – Australia

Tom Ireland
Tom Ireland

Major Projects Director, Transport – New Zealand

Jason Chin
Jason Chin

Executive Director, Ground & Underground Engineering – Asia

We would love to work with you to bring your ideas to life, so get in touch and we'll get back to you.

Or contact an office near you.