10 February 2026 18:00 - 19:30 Cundall Office, Birmingham City Centre and online via Zoom
10 February 2026 | 18:00 - 19:30 | Cundall Office, Birmingham City Centre and online via Zoom
In collaboration with the West Midlands Regional Group, Dr Benoit Jones, Engineering Director from BEMO Tunnelling UK presents this hybrid evening lecture.
Event Abstract
When tunnels are excavated in soft ground, the in-situ stress state is altered causing ground movements and groundwater flows. There is then a soil-structure interaction between the ground and the lining, which depends on the tunnel lining stiffness and permeability as well as the geotechnical behaviour of the ground. This talk will use case studies of real tunnel construction to provide attendees with a conceptual model of ground behaviour when tunnels are excavated in soft ground, and how this behaviour is impacted by the construction method used and the ground type.
This is a hybrid event.
To register for the talk on Zoom, please use the "Book Now" button.
To attend in-person, please contact the West Midlands Regional Group at geolsoc_wmrg@live.co.uk for sign up details.
Image: Thomas Jan 26
Dr Benoît Jones is the author of the first ever comprehensive
textbook on soft ground tunnel design, titled Soft Ground Tunnel Design, published in 2022. Benoît has worked as a tunnel designer, contractor, consultant during his career, and
set up and ran the MSc in Tunnelling and Underground Space at the University of Warwick (2011-2016). He is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and a Fellow of the Geological Society.
Benoît has been an elected committee member of the British
Tunnelling Society and is still serving on its Technical Subcommittee several years later. He is also Chair of the International Tunnelling Association’s ITAtech Activity Group on Low Carbon Concrete Linings, drafting a guideline published last year. He is currently the UK representative on the Eurocodes ‘Ad Hoc Group’ tasked with incorporating tunnel design into the Eurocodes.
Benoît has long been committed to innovation and best practice. He has written more than 60 articles and papers and has won several awards including the ICE Telford Premium, an ITA Award and three NCE Tunnelling Awards including one for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’.