www.tunnel.no is the English language home page of the Norwegian Tunnelling Society (NFF), the professional association of the rock blasting and tunnelling industry of Norway. The home page is operated by NFF in co-operation with NTNU and supported by a number of prominent companies and institutions involved in the industry. With focus on surface rock excavation, underground construction and related topics, the web site presents important aspects of rock excavation technology, covering the entire range of services, from design and contract philosophy to excavation and end use. The web site makes Norwegian technology accessible to prospective partners and to professionals in the rock excavation industry. The information is based on the extensive experience cumulated through decades of rock blasting and underground excavation, which has resulted in over 5.000 km of tunnels since NFF was founded in 1963

Ruth G.Haug, previous president of NFF and now active member of the International Committee, presented a summery of observations and comments at the end of the conference.

The Bergen TBM seminar June 2010.
During the period from early nineteen seventies to early nineties more than 250 km of tunnels were excavated in Norway by the use of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM). The purpose of these tunnels was mainly for hydropower and a few road tunnels.
After this period the development of hydropower more or less stopped as did the application of TBMs. Drill and blast tunneling continued though. This situation contradicts the international trend.

Hålogaland Kraft, a hydropower company with head office in Harstad in the northern part of Norway, faced the challenge to undertake maintenance and repair work of a headrace tunnel without loosing valuable water from a reservoir where upstream gates were missing.

New European regulations for the identification and traceability of explosives for civil use.
Unique identification of every article (cartridges, detonators, also for smallest packaging units) will be required from spring 2012 onwards.

The ongoing “Bjørvika” project at the Oslo seafront on the main road connection from west to north or east will open for traffic 2010; the opening up for eastbound traffic took place June 2010, contractors are now busy finishing their work and to make ready for the westbound traffic. Hectic surface activities are about to change the road system with new bridges in the vicinity of the Central Railway station

Artists were needed!