Tunnel engineer

Ground investigation techniques and solutions to derive soil and rock parameters: geological, hydrogeological, stratigraphy, to inform tunnel and associated underground space engineering activities: intrusive and non-intrusive in situ techniques, laboratory tests, and instrumentation and monitoring techniques.

Tunnel and associated underground space structure construction methods, plant and equipment for temporary and permanent works, and for associated groundworks.

Types, designs, suitability and construction methods of tunnel lining and ground support systems.

Soil and rock behaviour and mechanics: impact of excavation, changes in load and environmental conditions, and impact on the performance of tunnel and associated underground space structures.

Analysis techniques for the design and assessment of tunnels and associated underground space structure engineering problems: tunnel face stability, lining analysis, ground settlement, building damage assessment and soil-structure interaction. Awareness of the limitations of these techniques.

Techniques and considerations for developing route alignment and feasibility plans for tunnels and associated underground space structure projects, including ground investigation data, existing built environmental constraints and project and stakeholder requirements.

Techniques for appraising options using project-specific criteria.

Properties and uses of construction materials under working conditions.

Construction logistics: on-site support for the construction process, site logistics, temporary works and resource management.

Design principles and methods for tunnels and associated underground space structures, design codes, standards and best practice and their limitations. Industry developments and research of case studies.

Design principles for buildability, safe by design and consideration of long-term asset performance during the design stage.

Construction methods and management approaches used post-construction for the repair, maintenance and operation of tunnels and associated underground space structures.

Project management, planning and commercial techniques for tunnel and associated underground space structure engineering activities: estimating, programming, cost and budget control and resource management.

Risks and risk management techniques: uncertainties inherent in tunnels and associated underground space structures engineering activities, controlling risks related to the environment, risks arising during construction including for emergency situations, risks on the tunnel and associated assets, worker wellbeing, programme and budget risks, commercial and financial risks.

Legal requirements relating to health and safety at work and the construction design management (CDM) regulations.

Ethical principles, social responsibilities, environmental protection and sustainability.

Commercial and contractual requirements: forms of contract, mechanisms of payment, specifications, and procurement, insurance, and third party undertakings.

Time management techniques.

Teamwork and leadership techniques: negotiation, conflict management and development techniques and, diversity, equity and inclusivity considerations.

Communication techniques: oral, written, drawings and presentations.

Information technology: digital tools for research, analysis, and presentation of data, building information modelling, digital communication and collaboration packages.

Daily review and assessment process during construction, and response to real-time information as excavation progresses to determine requirements on monitoring and construction activities going forward.

Research techniques: desk study, geotechnical data sources, access to standards, industry publications. Importance of critical review of published sources.

Specify ground investigations to obtain geotechnical data, including in situ techniques, laboratory tests and instrumentation and monitoring techniques.

Interpret, analyse and critically evaluate ground investigation, geological, hydrogeological, stratigraphy and existing built environment data.

Develop feasibility plans and route alignments for tunnel and underground space structure projects.

Analyse and interpret project, desk study and monitoring data to develop an engineering understanding of tunnel and associated underground space structures and ground behaviour, and how these impact design solutions in the short and long-term.

Interpret client requirements and translate into actions for the design, construction, use, maintenance, repair and decommissioning of tunnel or underground space structures.

Evaluate design options for tunnels and associated underground space structures and make recommendations.

Apply research techniques.

Deliver tunnel and associated underground space structure engineering solutions, and evaluate their potential impact on economic sustainability, ethical, societal and environmental and sustainability perspectives, and practical considerations such as buildability and long-term asset management.

Produce designs for tunnel linings and other associated underground space structures.

Interpret engineering drawings.

Interpret materials specifications for the construction, repair and maintenance of tunnels and associated underground space structures.

Interpret work method statements for the construction, repair and maintenance of tunnels and associated underground space structures.

Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders, both verbally and written, including the production of technical reports.

Assess onsite logistics to support proposed construction methodology, for example site layouts, spoil management, impacts on the local population and local area as part of an environmental impact assessment, reduction of noise or vibration.

Apply project management, planning and handover techniques.

Identify and comply with legal and statutory requirements, including those related to health and safety, environmental protection and sustainability.

Apply risk management techniques to identify, quantify, assess, mitigate and manage risks associated with tunnel and associated underground space structure engineering activities, including emergency situations.

Plan and manage own time.

Apply teamwork and leadership techniques.

Use information technology: for example digital tools for research, analysis, and presentation of data, building information modelling, digital communication and collaboration packages.

Produce as-built records to facilitate handover of assets using digital tools.

Prioritise and promote ethical, sustainable and socially responsible practices.

Be adaptable, flexible and resilient in challenging and changing environments.

Work with autonomy. Take responsibility for own work whilst recognising the limits of own capabilities.

Promote and support a risk-aware culture.

Advocate a whole-lifecycle view of tunnels and associated underground space structures in their tunnel engineering activities.

Committed to continued professional development of self and others, and be open to innovation.

Collaborate and promote teamwork across internal and external teams.