Insights in the Industry
A discussion of the latest topics and trends
A Tradition of Innovation: The 2013 Muir Wood Lecture takes a cue from Robbins’ Long History
Find out about the genesis of modern tunnel boring machines, the precursor to EPBs and Slurry machines, and the next steps for our industry in Dick Robbins’ upcoming Sir Alan Muir Wood lecture. Learn More
Salamanders, Pseudo Scorpions, and Quartz Crystals: How my Recent Site Visit proved that TBM Tunneling is the Greenest Way to Go
What do these three things have in common? They all factor in to the environmentally friendly tunneling operations at the Jollyville Transmission Main in Austin, Texas, USA. Read on for more insights from our recent site visit. Learn More
What is WIT, and Why Does it Matter?
Women in Tunneling (WIT) is the industry’s newest networking group, dedicated to bringing their namesake demographic together and attracting more women to careers in tunneling and underground construction. Learn More
Research and Development: A Sneak Peek at the Next Generation of Disc Cutters
Robbins disc cutter advancements are accelerating, from pressure compensated disc cutters for soft ground TBMs to remote cutter monitoring. Read on for a snapshot of our latest R&D projects. Learn More
Sub-Sea TBM Tunneling: A New Approach to Oil and Gas Production
Offshore oil production is an important sector of business worldwide, but recent events have highlighted its inherent risks. We have witnessed catastrophic accidents on offshore drilling platforms that damaged the delicate marine environment and hurt businesses and families. Inclement weather and technological unreliability compound the problems that come with accessing oil fields in deep water. [...] Learn More
Hybrid TBMs: A Clear Solution for Mixed Ground
Hybrid TBMs, specifically EPB/Slurry and EPB/Hard Rock machines, are increasingly becoming the best solution for challenging mixed ground conditions. Learn More
Ground Control: Mitigating the Inherent Risks of Urban Tunneling
Settlement. It is one of the biggest risks in urban tunneling and the cause of sinkholes, cracked building foundations, and tunnel collapses. Surface subsidence and upheaval have vexed contractors and equipment suppliers worldwide, but there are some proven ways to minimize ground movement, even in low cover tunnels. Learn More