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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 8113

Tunnel boring machine operator

A tunnel boring machine operator is a person who works the large items of tunnelling equipment known in the industry as a TBM. The operator regulates the machine, correcting the torque of the rotating cutter head and of the screw conveyor in order to maximise the stability of the tunnel before the tunnel rings are placed, and then sets the reinforced concrete segments by remote control.

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switch tunnel boring machine modes

transport construction supplies

drive tunnel boring machine

prevent damage to utility infrastructure

operate theodolite

About tunnel boring machine operator

Stability is the central technical concern. A tunnel face is held by a balance between how fast material is cut and how fast it is removed, and the operator adjusts both from the tunnel boring machine control panel, reading the machine rather than the schedule. Advancing faster than the ground allows risks settlement above the tunnel.

Lining follows the advance. The operator places the precast concrete rings behind the machine, which is the point at which an excavated tunnel becomes a permanent structure.

What lies around the tunnel is a standing concern. The operator works to prevent damage to buried services, the cables, gas mains, water mains and sewers that run above and beside an urban drive. Mechanical systems and mechanics are the working knowledge; the construction health and safety procedures govern the site; working ergonomically matters across long shifts in a confined machine; and responding to events in a short time is required.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (14)

tunnel boring machine consoletunnel boring machine consoleFunctions of the buttons, switches, gauges and monitors on a tunnel boring machine console.mechanical systemsmechanical systemsMechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.switch tunnel boring machine modesswitch tunnel boring machine modesMonitor the process of switching the tunnel boring machine from boring mode to segment placement mode and vice versa.transport construction suppliestransport construction suppliesBring construction materials, tools and equipment to the construction site and store them properly taking various aspects into account such as the workers' safety and protection from deterioration.drive tunnel boring machinedrive tunnel boring machineSteer the tunnel boring machine based on input from navigation devices. Operate the hydraulic rams in a timely and precise manner to stay on course.prevent damage to utility infrastructureprevent damage to utility infrastructureConsult utility companies or plans on the location of any utility infrastructure that may interfere with a project or be damaged by it. Take the necessary steps to avoid damage.follow health and safety procedures in constructionfollow health and safety procedures in constructionApply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.operate theodoliteoperate theodoliteOperate an optical or laser theodolite, precision instruments used to measure angles.tend boring machinetend boring machineTend a boring machine, monitor and operate it, according to regulations.install tunnel segmentsinstall tunnel segmentsSet the reinforced concrete tunnel segments in place after the tunnel boring machine has excavated sufficient space. Base the position of the segments on the plans or calculations for optimal placemen...react to events in time-critical environmentsreact to events in time-critical environmentsMonitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.use safety equipment in constructionuse safety equipment in constructionUse elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident do...
Optional (12) — show
machinery load capacitymachinery load capacityThe maximum load capacity of the operated piece of machinery, under different circumstances and in different positions and movements. Passive load capacity and active load capacity, which is measure w...electricityelectricityThe principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.keep heavy construction equipment in good conditionkeep heavy construction equipment in good conditionInspect heavy equipment for construction projects before each use. Maintain the machine in good working order, taking care of small repairs and alerting the responsible person in case of serious defec...monitor excavated materialmonitor excavated materialMonitor the excavated material to determine the type and structure of the material and decide on any actions to be taken.work in a construction teamwork in a construction teamWork as part of a team in a construction project. Communicate efficiently, sharing information with team members and reporting to supervisors. Follow instructions and adapt to changes in a flexible ma...coordinate drillingcoordinate drillingStart, oversee and stop drilling sessions; coordinate personnel on drilling site.operate excavatoroperate excavatorOperate excavators used to dig materials from the surface and load them onto dump trucks.keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.drive mobile heavy construction equipmentdrive mobile heavy construction equipmentDrive movable heavy equipment used in construction. Load the equipment onto low loaders, or unload it. Judiciously drive equipment on public roads when required.monitor tunnel boring machine suppliesmonitor tunnel boring machine suppliesMake sure the tunnel boring machine is supplied with tunnel segments, water for cooling, quick-setting mortar for the segments, and other necessary supplies.set up temporary construction site infrastructureset up temporary construction site infrastructureSet up a variety of temporary infrastructure used on building sites. Put up fences and signs. Set up any construction trailers and make sure that these are connected to electricity lines and water sup...determine tunnel boring machine speeddetermine tunnel boring machine speedDecide on the optimal speed for the tunnel boring machine, based on the type of material to be bored through and other environment variables.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a tunnel boring machine operator do?

Tunnel boring machine operators work on large pieces of tunnelling equipment commonly known as TBMs. They regulate the operation of the machine, adjusting the torque of the rotating cutting wheel and screw conveyor to maximise stability of the tunnel before tunnel rings are installed. Tunnel boring machine operators then put the reinforced concrete rings in place using remote controls.

What skills does a tunnel boring machine operator need?

A tunnel boring machine operator needs 14 essential skills, including tunnel boring machine console, mechanical systems, mechanics, work ergonomically, switch tunnel boring machine modes.

Will AI replace tunnel boring machine operator jobs?

The AI disruption score for tunnel boring machine operator is 14/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: keep personal administration, monitor tunnel boring machine supplies, tunnel boring machine console. Most resilient: electricity, use safety equipment in construction, react to events in time-critical environments.

Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupStationary plant and machine operators
Essential Skills14

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