AECOM is built to deliver a better world. We design, build, finance and operate infrastructure assets for governments, businesses and organizations in more than 150 countries. As a fully integrated firm, we connect knowledge and experience across our global network of experts to help clients solve their most complex challenges. From high-performance buildings and infrastructure, to resilient communities and environments, to stable and secure nations, our work is transformative, differentiated and vital. A Fortune 500 firm, see how we deliver what others can only imagine at (url removed) and @AECOM.

AECOM offer a comprehensive service to clients seeking cost effective, buildable, state of the art  infrastructure projects which incorporate tunnels and underground structures.  The AECOM team has proven global design experience covering a wide range of tunnels in varying and challenging geological conditions.  Our collaborative team has successfully delivered sustainable landmark infrastructure projects in today’s congested cities. 

Our current portfolio of projects demonstrate our capabilities.  These include: London Power Tunnels 2, High Speed Rail between Birmingham and the north of England; Snowdonia Power Tunnels and Thames Tideway Sewer.  We are also delivering work for Network Rail, Water Authorities and the UK’s Geological Disposal Facility for radioactive waste amongst others.

An example project is HS2 Phase 2b Lot2, High Speed 2 Limited.  AECOM  provided design services to HS2 as part of the ACI joint venture, to support Hybrid Bill stage design for HS2 Phase 2b Lot 2.  This area covers the route between Birmingham and Sheffield.  The AECOM tunnelling team contributed to route development and outline design by considering bored, mined and cut and cover tunnelling options.  Scope included review of alignment and construction options and sifting multiple options against engineering, environmental and engagement criteria.  Outline designs were produced, allowing suitable construction cost estimates and environmental statements to be prepared to support the submission to parliament. 

Another recent example was Thames Tideway where AECOM carried out the detailed design of the Central London section of tunnel and shafts.  With eight large diameter shafts connecting to an 8m diameter tunnel underneath the Thames, the works also included vast underground valve chambers and culverts which were highly challenging from a technical perspective and combined with the landscaping and river wall structures has led to the delivery of a project that is changing the face of London.

Tunnelling engineers generally work as part of large, multidisciplinary teams to deliver technically challenging projects which greatly enhance the National infrastructure.

Tunnelling engineering graduates at AECOM will work on a range of projects including:

• Work within a wide range of sectors offering a challenging and varied workload, including: Water transfer tunnels; Highway tunnels; High Speed, Standard & light rail; Mining; Airport infrastructure; Onshore & offshore tunnels; Power tunnels
• Application of civil, structural and geotechnical knowledge gained throughout your degree to design buried reinforced concrete structures
• Feasibility studies & optioneering, through preliminary and detailed design; in particular the importance of understanding how designs can be constructed safely
• Tunnel, shaft and cavern designs in hard & soft ground using a variety of construction methods
• Identifying and resolving complex engineering problems using finite element software backed up by solid empirical methods
• In time you will be required to lead small projects or elements of larger projects and provide support and advice to other members of the team

Identifying opportunities to expand the existing business through client managers to build a broad and influential network through effective communication.