EXPORTING MALAYSIAN EXPERTISE, ONE TUNNEL AT A TIME
Malaysian engineering firm Gamuda Bhd is leveraging AI-driven tunnel boring machines to expand its global infrastructure footprint. The company's proprietary software allows for automated steering and real-time data analysis, which has been successfully deployed in Australia and Singapore.
Why it matters
The integration of AI into heavy civil engineering demonstrates how automation is increasing efficiency and precision in complex global infrastructure projects.
Gamuda Bhd is known for its feat above and underground, with a track record both in Malaysia and globally.
In 2001, it led a consortium to propose a dual-function tunnel called the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART), a dual-purpose 9.7km tunnel in Kuala Lumpur that mitigates flash floods and relieves city traffic.
The award-winning project allowed Gamuda to obtain knowledge of Kuala Lumpur’s difficult geological foundation, which benefitted the company when it proposed the Kajang and Putrajaya MRT lines.
Further learning points on tunnelling through mixed terrain, including very difficult karst (weathered limestone) terrain, led to the formation of a pool of talent, along with knowledge of how to operate various types of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) across different ground types.
Gamuda’s tunnelling team with Chorley (far right) at Robbins’ headquarters in Ohio, the United States.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in