New Innsbruck lab targets advances in hard-rock tunnel construction

A new research laboratory at the University of Innsbruck will explore ways to improve mechanised tunnelling through hard rock, ORF reports. The Christian Doppler Laboratory for Mechanised Hard-Rock Tunnelling 4.0 opens on Tuesday at the university’s Technik campus, working with six partner companies.

Tunnelling in the Alps faces geological and construction-logistics challenges. Laboratory head Matthias Flora said the complexity of projects, time pressure and high risks had made the sector less inclined to innovate, despite a clear need for research and improvement.

Supported by the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism, the laboratory aims to develop traditional methods into an integrated, data-driven approach. Researchers will study how digital tools can improve tunnel-boring machines and construction processes. A digital twin, an interactive virtual tunnel model intended to cover the project’s entire life cycle, will play a central role.

The team will investigate holistic Tunnel Information Modelling, including full-scale measurements and studies at the Hagerbach test tunnel in Switzerland. Flora said the research would treat mechanised tunnelling as a complete system, from excavation and lining, including annular gap filling, to construction logistics, while also considering the tunnel’s service life.