Technological Innovation Course in Next-Generation TBM
Online course of 300 hours in Technological Innovation in Latest-Generation TBMs: 6 modules covering the evolution of tunnel boring machines, cutterhead innovation, automation and control, data and artificial intelligence in TBMs, and sustainability and new applications, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the evolution and current types of tunnel boring machines.
Analyse innovations in cutterheads and ground conditioning.
Understand TBM automation and control systems.
Apply data analysis and artificial intelligence to mechanised excavation.
Assess the sustainability of TBM excavation.
Select the most suitable TBM technology for a project.
Develop a technical TBM proposal for a real case.
Who it's for
- TBM engineers.
- TBM machine managers (shift and machine leads).
- Mechanised excavation process engineers.
- Site data analysts.
- Tunnelling consultants.
- Machinery R&D engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to enter underground construction.
What you'll work with
- UNE-EN 16191 (tunnelling machinery: safety requirements)
- Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive)
- UNE-EN ISO 13849-1 (safety of machinery: safety-related parts of control systems)
- DAUB Recommendations for the Selection of Tunnel Boring Machines (German guidance on TBM selection)
- EFNARC Specification and Guidelines for the Use of Specialist Products for Mechanised Tunnelling (conditioning agents and specialist products)
- ITA-AITES WG14 Guidelines on Mechanised Tunnelling (international mechanised tunnelling guidance)
- UNE-EN 1992-1-1 (Eurocode 2: design of concrete structures)
- ISO 14001 (environmental management systems)
- TUnIS Navigation (VMT)
- PLAXIS 3D
- Python (pandas and scikit-learn)
- Autodesk Navisworks
- Power BI
6 modules
1.1History and types of TBM1.2Open gripper TBMs for rock1.3Single and double shields1.4EPB and slurry shields1.5Mixed-mode and variable-mode TBMs1.6Microtunnelling and small-diameter TBMs1.7Large-diameter machines and current records1.8Non-circular cross-section TBMs1.9Manufacturers and the international market1.10Case study: variable-density TBM in Hong Kong
2.1Cutterhead design for rock and soil2.2Large-diameter disc cutters2.3Robotic tool changing2.4Tool wear monitoring2.5Conditioning with foams and polymers2.6Clogging prevention in clays2.7Abrasivity and CERCHAR tests2.8Detection of obstacles ahead of the face2.9Hyperbaric and saturation interventions2.10Lab: estimation of cutter wear
3.1Laser and gyroscopic guidance systems3.2Automatic thrust and pressure control3.3Automatic segment erection3.4Automated logistics of segments and materials3.5Muck removal with continuous conveyors3.6Annulus grouting with real-time control3.7On-board sensors and operational data3.8Teleoperation and remote centres3.9Functional safety of the machine3.10Practical: analysis of EPB excavation parameters
4.1Excavation databases4.2Performance prediction with machine learning4.3Ground identification from machine parameters4.4Early detection of incidents4.5Digital twins of the TBM4.6Integration with BIM models4.7Visualisation and dashboards4.8Predictive maintenance of components4.9Cybersecurity of the connected machine4.10Workshop: predictive model of advance rate
5.1Reducing the carbon footprint of excavation5.2Electrification and energy efficiency5.3Reuse of excavated material5.4Fibre-reinforced segments and low-carbon concretes5.5TBMs for hydrogen and energy storage5.6Tunnels for underground logistics5.7TBMs for mining5.8Excavation in extreme environments5.9Research trends5.10Case study: carbon balance of a TBM excavation
6.1Project and ground conditions6.2Selection of the TBM type6.3Cutterhead specification6.4Required automation systems6.5Data and monitoring strategy6.6Segment logistics and supply6.7Performance and schedule analysis6.8Environmental assessment of the solution6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with your tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so it can be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is TUnIS Navigation (VMT), PLAXIS 3D, Python (pandas and scikit-learn), Autodesk Navisworks and Power BI, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures for analysing TBM operational data, selecting TBMs for urban projects and optimising excavation performance. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrated project.
Standards covered: UNE-EN 16191; Directive 2006/42/EC; UNE-EN ISO 13849-1; DAUB Recommendations for the Selection of Tunnel Boring Machines; EFNARC Specification and Guidelines for the Use of Specialist Products for Mechanised Tunnelling; ITA-AITES WG14 Guidelines on Mechanised Tunnelling; UNE-EN 1992-1-1; ISO 14001.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with TUnIS Navigation (VMT), PLAXIS 3D, Python (pandas and scikit-learn), Autodesk Navisworks and Power BI, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required: you only need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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