OHL, the only Spanish company involved in Europe’s huge R&D NeTTUN Project

October 30, 2012

OHL, through its OHL Construction division, is the only Spanish company currently participating in the European NeTTUN (New Technologies for Tunnelling and Underground Works) research and development project, the commencement of which officially began last 14 September in Lyon (France).

A total of 21 companies, technology centres and universities from nine European countries will work together over the next four years to develop solutions for the future and new technologies for tunnel construction, maintenance and management, including underground work. To do this, NeTTUN has been funded by the European Union, as part of the Seventh Framework Programme for Technological Research and Development.

All these entities- Europe’s most highly specialized companies and research centres in underground and tunnelling works-, coordinated by the French tunnel excavator constructor NFM, will jointly work towards achieving the project’s ambitious objectives. The idea is to radically improve critical issues related to an underground project’s lifecycle: design, construction and maintenance. Specifically, development will focus on the following:

  • A multi-sensor soil prediction system for tunnel excavators
  • Use of robotized arms for maintenance operations on the tunnel excavator cutting head
  • Cutting tools with high-level services and durability
  • Modelling of risks associated to underground works
  • Mitigation of impact on structures close to the work site
  • Decision-making system for tunnel maintenance
  • Evaluation and validation of real-work conditions

NeTTUN intends to generate the necessary knowledge to place the joint venture companies in a competitive and advantageous position worldwide. OHL Construction’s participation, led by the Purchases and Machinery Management, is a result of OHL’s lengthy experience in underground works. Furthermore, the Group’s growing international prestige will be essential for the on-site design and final evaluation of the project’s development.