Tunnel Digitalization Center Builds the Bridge from Real to Digital

At the end of October, the Tunnel Digitalization Center (TDC) was officially opened in the Hagerbach Test Gallery. For the first time, it allows demonstration and simulation in a realistic environment. Around 40 guests from the construction industry, consisting of partners, clients, planners and suppliers from Switzerland, Germany and Austria, accepted the invitation to the demo center of a digital tunnel. The project is a joint initiative of SCAUT, Amberg Engineering Ltd, Siemens Ltd, Elkuch Group Ltd and HBI Haerter Ltd.

TDC offers the unique opportunity to experience the interaction and transformation from real to digital directly in the tunnel. New technologies and innovative concepts can be demonstrated on a scale of 1:1, which leads to a better understanding of complex processes and procedures as well as a high level of cost-efficiency.

The focus is on cross-phase and cross-divisional system solutions that span the entire value chain and life cycle of tunnel systems – from planning with BIM and the subsequent structural work and electromechanical equipment to the operating phase and digital maintenance services. In particular, the interaction between different partners will be demonstrated using shared use cases and presented live on site.

In addition to reducing complexity, TDC focuses on saving time, optimizing efficiency and increasing productivity. This goal is achieved with standardized, efficient engineering and a high degree of automation. As a result, tunnels can be put into operation earlier thanks to virtual commissioning, training and simulations. The high level of safety and optimized maintenance also enable the tunnel to be operated sustainably and permanently.

The “Tunnel Digitization Center” project was initiated by the Swiss Center of Applied Underground Technologies (SCAUT). The companies Amberg Engineering Ltd with its expertise in infrastructure construction, Siemens Ltd for automation, Elkuch Group Ltd as the expert for door systems and HBI Haerter Ltd for tunnel ventilation simulations were won as industrial partners.

Michael Rom, Head of Factory Automation at Siemens Schweiz Ltd, said: “The Tunnel Digitization Center offers us the unique opportunity to show the digital twin in a real tunnel. And not only in terms of pure automation but also in terms of how the individual components interact. In this way, we can check and improve existing models and test future applications or use cases.”

Philipp Dohmen, Head of Digitization of the Amberg Group Ltd, added: “With the Tunnel Digitization Center, digitization can be experienced through the various performance phases. You can see connections and get a glimpse of tomorrow’s possibilities. Data modelling is our part in the value chain and marks the starting point for the digital infrastructure construction of the future.”

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