Underground spaces are increasingly important to meeting the needs of growing populations and urbanisation. Tunnels are a method of providing efficient, future-proofed infrastructure that is sensitive to the environment.
GHD helps maximise project outcomes by informing tunnel designs with proactive investigation of sites and structures. We carry out risk, geotechnical, and ground interaction assessments to build a clear picture of potential challenges. We then develop an efficient solution, whether it's designing a new tunnel or remedial work to existing infrastructure.
Our UK team has designed tunnels up to 100 m deep, over a mile long and with diameters of almost 4 metres, but we can also draw on our depth of international experience to provide expert services for all phases and types of tunnel and underground space projects. Our people have worked on some of the most iconic tunnel projects in Australia and around the world.
GHD can design launch chambers, temporary shafts, manholes and caverns, mechanical and electrical systems, fire and life safety, ventilation systems, and commissioning and decommissioning arrangements.
Our clients call on us to smooth the planning process for their projects. We conduct constructability reviews, identify any compliance requirements for tunnelling codes of practice, complete due diligence reviews, and act as an expert witness.
We deliver industry-leading and award-winning schemes by tailoring techniques to each project's unique needs. We have designed schemes using cut-and-cover, drill-and-blast, sequential excavation, tunnel-boring machines, pipe jacking, horizontal directional drilling and microtunnelling.
Our structural engineers are confined space-trained and oversee anything from structural design to noise, vibration, and air modelling. We are skilled in temporary works design and incorporate permanent works to reduce costs for our clients.
We deliver an end-to-end service from tender phase and detailed design to procurement and construction supervision. With international experience designing for road, rail, sewerage, water supply, hydropower, desalination plant and utility clients, we have the expertise and track record to meet our clients' needs.
It is this integrated service and flexibility to fit around each project's needs that has established GHD as a leader in underground space design and engineering.