Water tunnelling

Major wastewater tunnelling programmes demand more than engineering excellence – they require integrated thinking across geology, construction strategy, risk management, and long-term resilience.

At Arup we bring together global tunnelling expertise with the breadth of technical insight needed to deliver complex underground infrastructure. Our multi-disciplinary experience spans large-scale Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunnelling, groundwater and settlement control, durable design, and the integration of shafts and tunnel systems within constrained environments.

We work collaboratively with partners across disciplines and project stages, helping clients to refine procurement approaches, define efficient solutions, improve constructability, and ensure long-term performance. This unlocks value from initial concept through to construction, drawing on exemplar projects delivered worldwide, including extensive work across the UK, US, East Asia and the Nordics.

Featured projects:

Our core capabilities:

Large-scale wastewater tunnel systems: design and delivery of deep, gravity-driven tunnel networks, including single-pass lining solutions that use protective membranes to guard against microbiologically induced corrosion.

EPB TBM tunnelling in mixed ground: applying proven expertise in EPB TBM tunnelling to safely deliver solutions for tunnelling in mixed geology, such as limestone and sedimentary conditions, ensuring controlled excavation in challenging urban environments.

Designing for resilience and performance: designing tunnels for long-term resilience, with advanced materials and protective solutions to manage aggressive wastewater environments and ensure durable asset performance.

Balanced approach to construction and operation: designing and integrating shafts, TBM launch structures, and tunnel connections into cohesive systems that support both efficient construction and long-term operation.

Tunnel ventilation and life safety systems: managing odour, hydrogen sulphide and corrosion risks through integrated ventilation, hydraulic, and materials strategies, informed by specialist expertise and research.

Delivery strategy and programme optimisation: supporting clients with procurement strategy, contract packaging, and construction optimisation to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and accelerate delivery.