Tunnel systems are designed, built, and maintained by dozens of different professionals. To ensure that a tunnel is safe, reliable, and well-maintained, geologists, surveyors, civil engineers, ironworkers, cement masons, and construction crews put in hundreds of hours of work. Although private companies are frequently contracted to perform highly specialized work in the development of a new tunnel, most tunnel jobs, especially those involving the construction and maintenance of structures, are city government positions.
Measurements and information about the area where a tunnel will be built are taken by urban geologists and surveyors. They calculate the length, width, and height of a new tunnel, as well as the risk of potential hazards like mudslides, rock falls, earthquakes, and support system collapse. Geologists also ensure that the new tunnel’s construction will not disrupt ecosystems or cause inconvenience to local residents.
Civil engineers begin designing the structure once an area of land has been deemed safe and initial measurements have been taken. Professionals determine the exact size and shape of the new tunnel, draw blueprints, calculate material and labor costs, and estimate the time it will take to complete construction. They present their plans to city officials for approval and begin planning the various stages of the construction process. Many civil engineers spend a significant amount of time supervising the construction of new tunnels on the job site.
Tunnel jobs that involve the actual construction of new structures employ a variety of skilled laborers. Final measurements are taken, and the exact amount of explosives required to displace rocks and soil is calculated by highly trained explosive workers and blasters. To make room for construction crews, they carefully place and detonate explosives. Large beams, trusses, and columns are assembled and installed by ironworkers and metal fabricators to provide the tunnel’s basic framework. Some workers cut, shape, and bend materials according to blueprints in specialized shops, while others lift, weld, and bolt them into place on the job site.
Professional cement masons and rebar workers play critical roles in tunnel construction. They start by making metal or wood forms to serve as a framework for concrete panels and columns. Workers apply cement to the reinforced metal bars in the forms and let it dry. The finished panels are then smoothed by cement masons, who remove any excess concrete.
Other tunnel jobs include building and maintaining roads or railways that pass through tunnels. Electricians are hired to run power lines and install lights, and construction crews smooth the ground, pave roads, and paint lines. All tunnel jobs require extensive communication and cooperation between professionals in order to build a reliable structure.