6 International Technology Transfer in Tunneling and Trenchless Technology
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Published:2009
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This paper considers the issues surrounding the national and international development and maintenance of expertise in tunneling and trenchless technology. Diffusion of the technology for both tunneling and trenchless technology can be quite rapid but in somewhat different patterns. Having the technology become part of the established engineering or construction practices in a country, however, is more difficult due to the need to gain widespread acceptance of the technique and the need to develop local engineering expertise that is fully familiar with the technique. The paper covers three main topics: the worldwide transportability of innovation in tunneling and trenchless technology; the findings of earlier studies of U.S. national competitiveness in underground construction technology; and the example of the rapid development of TBM technology in the Netherlands.