Continuous tunnelling with a tunnel boring machine (TBM) is a very popular method for the construction of large tunnel projects. The use of prefabricated reinforced concrete elements assembled by the TBM, so-called tubbings, is an extremely economical method for securing the tunnel after excavation.

Scientists at Technische Universität Wien have developed and patented a new, optimised reinforcement concept for these tubbings, which increases the load-bearing capacity with high-strength joint compression reinforcements. With this patented reinforcement concept, the overall thickness of the tubbings can be reduced, saving a large amount of concrete and thus reducing the tunnel's carbon footprint by about 25%.