ASET Colloquium

History of Tunnelling and Tunnelling Methods

by Mr. S.K. Dharmadhikari (Chairperson, Road Tunnels Advisory Committee, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India)

Friday, May 13, 2022 from to (Asia/Kolkata)
at Online ( https://zoom.us/j/91427966752 )
Description
Technology Day Commemorative ASET Colloquium.
National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11 every year to commemorate the achievements of scientists, researchers, engineers and all others involved in the field of science and technology. 

Abstract:
Tunnelling had existed in various European, Middle East and Asian countries since 2200 BC. The ancient population found tunnels useful for transportation, irrigation, and strategically safe. The tunnels since then have evolved in terms of their construction methods but remained similar in terms of their application and purpose. The presentation covers some of the significantly advanced ancient underground sites where tunnels were used. It also discusses the underground sites in India which hold a significant place in Indian history, some of which are also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

As the world moved towards more rapid development, the demands for faster transportation and urbanization have increased, which in turn gave rise to the inception of modern tunnelling methods. Tunnel methods differ according to the geology and hence different methods are developed and adopted for construction, keeping in mind the safety, stability, time and cost. The talk presents how tunnelling has adopted modernisation for fast construction as well as the use of different tools and machinery. 


About the Speaker:
Shri. Shyamkant Dharmadhikari did his graduation in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering, Pune. After graduation, he joined the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), from where he retired as its Chief Technical Officer (CTO) after 41 glorious years of service. Shri Dharmadhikari has successfully completed 70 km of tunnelling in various projects, 80% of which has been in the complex geology of the Himalayan Ranges. Several iconic projects of national importance were completed under his leadership. The DHRUVA Reactor; the first-ever pumped storage hydro project, Kadamparri in Tamilnadu; very complex underground foundation strengthening of Sardar Sarovar across river Narmada; 540 MW Chamera hydel project in H.P. with ultra-modern tunnelling technologies; the biggest (1500MW) hydel project in India across river Sutlej; the first access-controlled Mumbai-Pune expressway; the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai are some of the examples.

Shri Dharmadhikari received the special achievement award in concrete technology from ICI–Mumbai Chapter for the concrete pavement of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. He also received the “Hydro Bhushan” Award in 2014 for achievements in the hydropower sector. He has been associated with the M.Tech.(Tunnel Engg.) program at MIT WPU. Many of his students are working in renowned companies. 
Material:
Organised by Dr. Satyanarayana Bheesette