Herrenknecht joins EFNARC as we expand our certification scheme to TBM pilots

Recently, Herrenknecht AG joined EFNARC as our latest corporate member. To master every small and large underground construction project, the technology leader, with 5,000 employees, develops project-specific tunnelling technologies that turn visions into reality. 

With their expertise and leadership in mechanized Tunnelling, Herrenknecht's membership comes at a pivotal moment as EFNARC is about to expand its certifications to include the TBM pilot scheme. 

Launch of EFNARC TBM Pilot Scheme

After 15 years of successfully certifying Nozzle Operators and Examiners, EFNARC proudly announces the launch of our TBM Pilot Scheme, supported by the International Tunnelling Association´s Working Group 14 (ITA WG14) and ITAtech AG Excavation (SubAG TBM Service Guideline). The training is based on the EFNARC nozzle operator certification scheme which has proved its effectiveness in recent years. 

The EFNARC TBM Pilot Scheme both includes an Examiner Certificate (a train-the-trainer course for experts with 5+ years EPB Tunnel Bore Machine), as well as a TBM pilot course aimed at both novice and experienced TBM operators. 

Learn more about the new TBM Pilot Certification Scheme 

As the market leader in mechanized tunnelling, Herrenknecht brings unparalleled knowledge and innovation to our organization. Faithful to their commitment “Pioneering underground together”, Herrenknecht´s collaboration with EFNARC shows their commitment to advancing industry standards and promoting excellence in underground construction. 

When Martin Herrenknecht founded Herrenknecht GmbH in 1977, no one knew the groundbreaking success that would set in motion. From the passion of a small team of technology-loving engineers, a globally operating group developed. The thirst for progress created milestones in tunnelling technology. And from the courage to prove themselves evolved masterpieces of tunnel construction. But that's nowhere near the end of the adventure: the future promises more. 

Empowering Construction and Mining Professionals: CUC's Innovative Training Solutions

The Centre for Underground Construction (CUC) stands at the forefront of empowering construction and mining professionals globally. With the increasing demand for underground facilities, there's a pressing need for well-trained personnel in both practical and theoretical aspects. CUC's training center addresses this demand by offering a variety of programs tailored to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge. Whether through in-person or hybrid courses, participants benefit from hands-on experiences led by industry experts, ensuring excellence in their chosen fields. 

Elevating Construction Expertise 

CUC is the premier destination for comprehensive construction industry education and training, focusing on practical skills development. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in tailored programs designed for individuals and companies, emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. 

Unique features such as in-person sessions with industry professionals and hybrid courses ensure an unparalleled educational experience. With a focus on real-world simulations and industry projects, learners benefit from invaluable insights and practical tips for career advancement. 

Customized corporate training solutions and a cutting-edge curriculum prepare participants for future challenges. Choose CUC for expert training and unlock your full potential in the construction industry.

Driving Excellence in Construction Through Collaboration with EFNARC

At CUC, we align closely with EFNARC's mission to elevate industry standards. Together, we develop cutting-edge courses tailored to industry needs. Our commitment to excellence ensures our curriculum remains current, empowering professionals to excel in their careers. Through innovative education, we contribute to raising industry standards, in line with EFNARC's vision for the future. 

CUC's Collaborative Achievements: Advancing Excellence in Tunneling and Construction 

UC has accomplished significant milestones this year. In conjunction with EFNARC, it has spearheaded the development of two pivotal training courses: 

• A TBM EPB pilot training course tailored for individuals with tunnel experience seeking to broaden their skill set. This comprehensive program caters to both novice TBM pilots venturing into new territories and seasoned professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of TBM operations and underground environments. 

• A specialized TBM train-the-trainer course designed for seasoned experts with over 5 years of EPB Tunnel Bore Machine experience across multiple projects. This course empowers passionate industry veterans to impart their wealth of knowledge and expertise to future generations. 

In collaboration with Zentrum am Berg, CUC has launched a conventional tunnel training course, complemented by a rigorous 3-day EFNARC examiner course focusing on wet, mechanized concrete spraying. Additionally, a 2-day dry shotcrete course was incorporated to provide participants with comprehensive training in modern tunnel construction techniques.  

Moreover, the CUC Seminar "AI Technology and Innovations in the Chinese Tunnel Industry" served as a platform for insightful discussions, featuring guest speakers from Shanghai universities and industry leaders from SIKA Services and Amberg Group. Topics ranged from groundbreaking innovations in tunnel boring machines to cutting-edge approaches in intelligent tunnel design and sustainability initiatives pioneered by Sika. 

Collaboration is at the heart of CUC's mission. By partnering with a diverse array of academic and industry stakeholders to create impactful courses and seminars, CUC fortifies the foundation of the industry, driving innovation and excellence every step of the way. 

Pioneering Sustainability in Underground Training and Qualification 

It is CUC’s vision to be the global leading institution for real-world and virtual training and qualification of professionals in the domain of underground space in a sustainable manner. At CUC, sustainability is our guiding principle. We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices within the construction industry; hence our courses emphasize sustainable techniques and materials. Where possible and available we use simulators to reduce material waste. By empowering learners with sustainable knowledge, we aim to create a greener future for the construction sector. 

CUC recognizes that achieving such ambitious objectives requires collaboration with companies and organizations that espouse similar values. 

Support the industry by becoming a contributor or sponsor of CUC! 

Why choose CUC? 

• Diverse training: Find tailored courses for every need, backed by years of experience. 

• Personalized service: Can't find a course? Our experts craft bespoke solutions to meet your learning goals. 

• In-person dynamics: Learn directly from industry pros, fostering networking and real-time feedback. 

• Hybrid flexibility: experience online learning merged with hands-on tunnel training, ensuring deep engagement. 

• Practical focus: engage in simulations and projects, bridging theory and real-world application. 

• Expert guidance: Benefit from industry-seasoned instructors offering invaluable insights for career growth. 

• Corporate solutions: elevate your workforce with customized training aligned to your organization's goals. 

• Leading-edge content: stay ahead with continually updated curriculum reflecting industry trends and best practices. 

CUC Contact Information 

Michael Kompatscher 

Phone: 41 81 734 14 10 

E-Mail: info@cuc.academy 

Normet: An All-Round Player bringing innovation and expertise to EFNARC

In the ever-evolving landscape of underground operations, Finnish company Normet leads in sprayed concrete equipment and field service. With decades of experience, Normet consistently pushes technology and training solutions in mining, tunnelling, and civil engineering projects.

In an interview with Harri Sonninen, Global Product Manager of New Technologies & Training Solutions at Normet, we gained valuable insights into the company's approach and vision, and its role in EFNARC.

Sonninen, a professional with 16 years of experience at Normet, oversees all training solutions globally and implements new technologies into customer operations, such as scanning devices and VR/XR technologies. Normet has offered technical and operator training since the production of sprayers started in the 1970s, "we've come a long way from yelling training instructions over the roar of compressors to embracing the latest VR technology in our training programs, which we greatly prefer." says Sonninen.

In recent decades, Normet evolved to offer an extensive portfolio of mining and tunnelling solutions, covering the process chain of their clients to “combine service and training agreements, along with data analytic packages and Battery electric Vehicles,” says Sonninen.

A lifelong relationship

Normet has been part of EFNARC for decades and developed nozzle operator certification schemes to meet industry standards and safety requirements worldwide, contributing to industry advancements.

Harri Sonninen

Global Product Manager of New Technologies & Training Solutions at Normet

Sonninen believes Normet’s involvement in developing a simulator training solution –with EFNARC– was a turning point. “We did have some sprayed concrete simulators more than 10 years ago, and meeting the standards around simulator training was a big question mark for us. When EFNARC started to develop this VR simulator training program, it was a valuable moment for Normet to step in and give our own expertise,” he says.

According to Sonninen, Normet's collaboration with EFNARC not only ensures they participate in defining the highest industry standards but also contributes to “the sustainable and safe development of the mining and tunnelling industry”.

VR as a game-changer

Sonninen highlighted Normet's commitment to innovation, bringing forward its virtual reality spraying training simulator, which provides diverse training environments and digital twins of its equipment and underground conditions.

"VR training allows us to leverage our global expertise, combining these forces and providing standardized training programs worldwide while offering valuable data insights and promoting sustainability and safety," said the Normet manager. “Our customers are saving money; we are making the projects more profitable by increasing people’s competence, reducing material waste, lowering operational emissions and saving operational time. They get benefits if they save emissions during our trainings too,” he added.

Chuquicamata iconic project

One of the key projects discussed was the Chuquicamata Underground copper mining project in Chile, where Normet provided concrete transportation, equipment (concrete sprayers, mixers), training (including virtual reality simulators), chemical support, and other services.

“We were part of the project from its inception, working closely with our local subsidiary to ensure a flawless execution. It is a good example of how we implement our complete solutions”

— Harri Sonninen

Addressing challenges faced in such projects, the Finnish highlighted the importance of environmental and location factors, due to the challenges the arid climate posed for concrete mixing and the difficulty to bring competent workforce to remote areas.

"Our global understanding combined with local expertise enables us to meet unique project requirements effectively," he explained, noting how Normet’s presence in 30 countries and 50 locations allows for truly tailored solutions, especially in entire sprayed concrete operation, operator training, and the concrete mix design expertise.

Green Innovation

When it comes to sustainability, Sonninen outlined Normet's focus on implementing new technologies, such as battery-operated equipment and VR simulators, to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices that align with global Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Normet's simulators contribute to environmental conservation by saving fuel, materials, and time during training, with historical data showing a 23% improvement in operational efficiency. "By optimizing processes, improving energy efficiency, reducing the amount of cement in production by correct mix design and avoiding extra usage and waste of concrete, we strive to minimize environmental impact," Sonninen explained.

Looking ahead, Sonninen identified digitalization as a key trend shaping the industry. "Digitalization, including data handling, simulator solutions, automated spraying units, scanning and mapping technologies to monitor the sprayed concrete thickness layers and capture its profile information, is revolutionizing in underground operations, and Normet is at the forefront," he stated, and added, “we are the industry role model in sprayed concrete technology, and it is one of our main focuses”.

Normet's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence continues to redefine the landscape of mining and tunnelling operations globally. With a strong commitment to meeting customer needs and embracing industry trends, Normet remains a pioneer in our field.

EDVIRT - 10 years of creating new standards using virtual reality

Simulators and virtual training are now an industry standard in the sprayed concrete industry, and it’s largely thanks to EDVIRT’s determination to improve nozzlemen training.

EDVIRT is an edtech company working with simulator development and virtual training in the mining and tunnelling industries. What started as a research project conducted at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has now evolved into an international brand changing the landscape for sprayed concrete Nozzle Operator training.

An academia success story: working with the tunnelling and mining industry to make commercially viable innovations

As a part of their master’s thesis, Eric Odkrans and Petter Börjesson were introduced to the idea of developing a shotcrete simulator. Tunnelling contractor BESAB presented this idea to Chalmers University of Technology. Petter got to work on developing the software prototype, while Eric focused on the commercial potential of the simulator. 

After completing their individual research projects in 2012, they found that they could in fact simulate sprayed concrete and that there was a need for it in the industry. In February 2013, Petter and Eric founded EDVIRT after getting their first customer—LKAB, a prominent iron ore mining company in Sweden. Already from the beginning, their aim was to standardise virtual training of nozzlemen.

In many cases, the academic space can develop great research, which sadly ends up in the desk drawer. The industry also often sits on great commercial ideas that never are challenged at a research stage. But, when academia and industry collaborate, and especially when there are motivated entrepreneurs involved, remarkable innovations can be realized. EDVIRT is a good example of that.

Experts at analysing real-life processes and how they can be improved with virtual training

Over the past ten years, the EDVIRT team has grown their list of products and services, focusing primarily on safety features, training courses and virtual training for tunnels and mines.

According to Eric, their strength lies in analysing processes and identifying whether they can benefit from virtual training. While many processes are suitable for on-the-job training or theory, others benefit from virtual training. However, a mix is often most efficient—and that’s where

EDVIRT comes in to develop training courses that heavily involve virtual training but also incorporates real-life scenarios or theory aspects. 

An essential part of their process when developing training courses and software applications is involving industry experts every step of the way. As Eric says:

“Whatever we develop, we do it with people in the industry. All our products have been jointly developed with personnel from machine manufacturers or tunnelling and mining companies. Real operators regularly give us feedback on the product throughout the development process.”

The EDVIRT team are also regularly out in the field, including visiting mines and underground tunnelling projects, to talk to industry experts and shotcrete operators in real-life scenarios.

“We’re experts at training and software, but not necessarily at all mining processes. Hence, we always include industry experts from the field or research.” - Eric Odkrans, Head of Business Development at EDVIRT

With their main business being developing training courses for global mining and tunnelling companies, the most important thing for them is to provide a good teaching tool. According to Eric, their tool needs to be able to take the operator to the next level, and that doesn’t necessarily mean simulating reality.

“The important thing is that we speed up the learning process and can safely teach people. Simulating a machine to be 100% like reality is often not what our trainees want. They rather want to train on the essentials and the application and practice things they might not be able to do in real life. We also need to use a strong teaching methodology that incorporates different training scenarios so that operators can learn the entire process—from A to Z.” - Eric Odkrans, Head of Business Development at EDVIRT

10 Years of EDVIRT

Over the past 10 years, EDVIRT has collaborated and partnered with many key industry organisations, including EFNARC, Master Builders, Freeport, LKAB and Sandvik to name a few.

The team has also grown to 12 employees, with Eric as the Head of Business Development, Petter as the Technical Manager and Tomislav Rogan as the CEO.

According to Eric:

“We’re a fun, multicultural team working in an exciting international industry.” 

While a significant focus of their projects has been in Sweden, stemming from their base in Göteborg, they’ve responded to the international demand for their product and established a global footprint. EDVIRT’s first client was the Swedish mining company LKAB, and their second was the London Underground with the Crossrail project. Other key projects include WestConnex in Sydney. 

EDVIRT has partnered with EFNARC to share their ideas and thoughts on Nozzle Operator training. They’re proud to say that EFNARC’s prestigious certification now require virtual training and testing.

What’s next for EDVIRT?

In February 2021, EDVIRT was acquired by DSI Underground, part of the Sandvik Group. While EDVIRT remains a standalone company in the group, they now also internally develop innovations with a sales network spread globally.

According to Eric, EDVIRT is focused on spreading simulator training to more applications and is committed to developing more innovations in the space.

EFNARC is the Authoritative Voice of Contractors, Manufacturers, Raw Material Suppliers and Consultants in the Specialised Construction and Concrete Systems Industry. As a member of the organisation, EDVIRT works with EFNARC to improve Nozzle Operator training and safety standards.

THE TEMPLE FOR EFNARC NOZZLEMAN EXAMINERS CERTIFICATION

Last May, fourteen experienced nozzlemen from all over the world met at Hagerbach Test Gallery, a global hub for industrial underground expertise, to become EFNARC certified Nozzleman Examiners. Located in the Seez Valley and enclosed by the awe inspiring Appenzell alps, the gallery was founded 50 years ago by Amberg Group and it is used for avant-garde underground research and testing.

The nozzlemen came from India, Indonesia, Germany, UK, Canada, amongst other countries, to raise the bar in quality and safety in shotcrete application.

“It was a complete success. They were very nice and interactive participants. As always, everything was very well organised and prepared by Hagerbach Test Gallery, so the course ran smoothly”, said Sebastian Jehle, one of the EFNARC examiners who works for the Sika Group.

The 3-day evaluation is intended for expert nozzlemen with more than five years’ experience in wet, robotic concrete spraying and offers a mix of a practical and theoretical assessment. Applicants have to inform EFNARC of projects they have worked in and professionals with whom they’ve worked, then, the EFNARC Examiner Assessment identifies and accredits the shotcrete operators’ skills and knowledge. Nozzleman Certification will follow the successful accreditation of Examiners.

“EFNARC's goal is to achieve the highest standards in robotic wet sprayed concrete worldwide. Having earned the certification from EFNARC, the Nozzleman is at the forefront of technical development in the industry and can work worldwide”, said Christina Buxtorf-Hey, Project Manager at Hagerbach Test Gallery.

“It is very important that there are as many certificates and trained professionals for sprayed concrete as possible to ensure high-quality standards and thus safety underground worldwide”, added Jehle.

The examiner certificate is run by the Switzerland-based International Center for Geotechnics & Underground Construction (CUC) on behalf of EFNARC. CUC was founded by long-established companies with great expertise in the sector, like Sika, Amberg, Holcim, Putzmeister, Hilti, Georoc, Master Builders Solutions, Synthetic Industries and Herrenknecht.

EFNARC ensures its certification is based on technical specifications and guidelines endorsed by the International Tunnelling Association and derived from the technical and professional standards of the industry.

The fourteen newly certified examiners are now eligible to conduct:

• Nozzleman Assessments targeted towards operators with minimum three years of experience, and to hold

• EFNARC C2 training courses targeted towards both novice and experienced nozzlemen.

The next EFNARC Nozzleman Examiner Certification at Hagerbach Test Gallery is scheduled for September 20-22, 2022.

Meanwhile, Hagerbach Test Gallery will continue its cutting-edge research on tunnelling, mining, underground green farming and data centres, fire resistance tests and prototyping.

Please get in touch with us if you are interested in EFNARC certifications.

The TTSG's SKATE MATRIX states EFNARC C2

The Transforming Tunnelling Safety Group (TTSG) aims to transform the health and safety performance of UK tunnelling works. The TTSG has developed a so called SKATE Competence Matrix which states appropriate training and certifications for various tunnel work. The section about concrete spraying now states EFNARC C2 as the suggested certification for operators.

SKATE Competence Matrix for Tunnelling

The Tunnelling SKATE matrix consolidates best practice and benchmarks the role levels and Skills, Knowledge, Attitude, Training and Experience criteria for most occupations involved in shaft and tunnel construction.

The matrix was developed to be used by clients, contractors and employers to define competence in tunnelling and ultimately improve safety standards and productivity on tunnelling projects. Its adoption across the tunnelling sector will support cost reduction in the long run by standardising the training, qualification and experience requirements across the industry.

The SKATE matrix builds on the expertise of the Transforming Tunnelling Safety and TunnelSkills groups and is a live document. It will be updated on an annual basis with feedback and input from the sector.

Download the matrix here.