Pioneers of efficient, safe and resilient underground spaces.

Tunnels are a critical enabler of modern infrastructure, allowing transport, water and energy networks to be delivered where surface solutions are constrained.

Tunnelling presents unique technical and delivery challenges, shaped by geology, construction interfaces and the environments in which projects are built. SMEC combines the experience of our global tunnelling teams with proven methodologies and modern technology to develop solutions that are safe, efficient and suited to local conditions.

Working closely with clients and delivery partners, we support informed decision-making from planning through to construction. Our focus is on managing underground risk, optimising constructability and delivering tunnels that perform reliably over their operational life.

SMEC delivers tunnelling and underground infrastructure services across the full project lifecycle, from early planning through to design, construction support and operation.  We work across all types of underground projects including transport tunnels, water and energy tunnels, shafts, caverns and associated underground structures.

 

Our teams apply rigorous analysis of soil and rock behaviour to inform excavation strategies, support systems and construction sequencing. We work across conventional and mechanised tunnelling methods, including drill and blast, roadheaders, tunnel boring machines, pipe jacking and shaft construction, selecting approaches that respond to site conditions and support safe, constructable delivery.

Specialist
capabilities

Our tunnelling services span all industry sectors including roads and highways, rail, water, drainage and irrigation, hydropower and energy, mining, and special underground space developments. Specialist capabilities include:

  • Rock support and permanent structural lining design
  • TBM segmental lining design and TBM performance predictions
  • Microtunnelling/Pipe Jacking
  • Pressure Tunnels/Shafts design
  • Large and deep rock caverns
  • Temporary works design & TBM launch
  • Settlement analysis and impact assessments
  • Advanced numerical modelling
  • Independent review and value engineering
  • Proof engineering
  • Real-time interactive project visualisation

Project
experience

Partner
with
us

Whether your project requires geotechnical engineering in Australia or New Zealand, large-scale tunnelling capability across Asia, or specialist underground expertise in Africa and the Middle East, our geotechnics and tunnelling teams bring the depth and experience to support delivery.