Overview

This webinar explores the final phase of Barcelona Metro Line 9, where engineers faced the unique challenge of restarting a tunnel boring machine (TBM) after it had been stored underground for a decade. The presentation highlights how the team successfully refurbished critical TBM components, resumed excavation through 2.1 km of hard granodiorite using EPB technology, and prepared for the project’s most complex stretch, a 1.6 km drive under high-pressure and heterogeneous ground conditions.  Participants will gain insights into ground conditioning, TBM modifications, predictive maintenance strategies, and the technical solutions that enabled excavation to continue safely and efficiently beneath one of Europe’s most complex urban environments.

Learning outcomes:

By attending this webinar, you will be able to:

• Understand the refurbishment process required to reactivate a TBM after a decade-long shutdown, including underground component replacement and upgrades.
• Evaluate excavation strategies for operating EPB technology in hard and abrasive rock, with focus on cutterhead design, screw conveyor management, and wear mitigation.
• Apply predictive and data-driven maintenance principles to optimize TBM performance, extend component life, and ensure operational safety.
• Anticipate engineering adaptations for tunneling in complex mixed-face and high-pressure conditions, including the use of hybrid cutterhead designs and main drive system upgrades.

Program timeline:

• 5:30pm AEST: Presentation commences
• 6:30pm AEST: Presentation concludes

Speakers: