Sep 18 2025
Lone Star Texas Grill, 930 Dixon Rd, Toronto, Ontario
TAC Ontario Talk: Lower Carbon & Cost in Sprayed Concrete Tunnelling

Join the TAC Ontario Chapter for our upcoming September Presentation Event, "Lower Carbon & Cost in Sprayed Concrete Tunnelling" with ROSS DIMMOCK, NORMET VICE PRESIDENT – TUNNELLING.

Talk Title
Lower Carbon & Cost in Sprayed Concrete Tunnelling

Abstract
This presentation offers a perspective on advancing sustainability in sprayed concrete tunnelling. While sprayed concrete is essential for safe and rapid ground support, its production is carbon-intensive due to high cement use, steel reinforcement, diesel-powered machinery, and waste from over-excavation and over-spraying. To address these challenges, a holistic approach is needed, combining material innovation, equipment electrification, and digitalisation.
On the materials side, progress is being made with low- and ultra-low carbon mixes, enabled by cement replacement strategies and chemical accelerators that provide early-age strength. Laboratory-scale spraying systems now allow rapid testing and scale-up of new binder technologies for tunnel applications.
Electrification of tunnelling equipment, particularly battery-electric vehicles, offers more than 95% reductions in CO₂ emissions when powered by renewable energy. These technologies also improve health and safety by removing diesel particulates and heat, while reducing operational costs.
Digital tools, including smart scanning, automated spraying, and digital twins, further enhance efficiency by ensuring accurate profiles, reducing waste, and supporting a future optimising real-time monitoring and operator assistance.
Case studies from Norway, the UK, India, and Australia demonstrates innovative approaches such as spray-applied waterproof membranes and thin lining systems. Ultimately, carbon and cost reduction go hand in hand, making sustainable tunnelling both environmentally and economically viable.


ROSS DIMMOCK Biography
Ross has over 37 years’ of tunnelling experience primarily relating to the design and construction of permanent sprayed concrete linings for urban underground infrastructure projects. Over the last 14 years he has been with the Finnish company Normet, and currently is the Vice President for their Tunnelling business, having a focus on steering the tunnelling industry towards more sustainable solutions.

Through leading roles and exposure to the many facets of the international tunnelling industry, Ross has acquired a valuable, well-rounded “End to end” perspective of this challenging industry. He fully appreciates the technical demands of modern tunnel projects, and the need to establish a healthy balance between risk management and value engineering activities to determine the best outcomes.

Ross actively contributes to numerous industry standards and best practice guidelines on its further development and related technologies, with his recent focus on sustainable tunnelling.

Ross is the chairman of the ITAtech Activity Group focused on new technologies for tunnel waterproofing and more efficient lining design. He also is a Board Member for the newly formed SubSpace Energy Hub based in Switzerland, focusing on low carbon tunnelling and underground green energy storage.

Registration coming soon!

Nov 16, 18 2025
Vancouver, B.C.
2025 TAC Workshop: Health and Safety in Tunnelling

We are excited to announce the TAC Workshop on Health & Safety in the Canadian Tunnelling Industry, set to take place from November 15-18, 2025, in Vancouver, B.C.!

The 3-day hybrid workshop will focus on the critical topic of safety in tunnelling through engaging sessions that explore real-world challenges and innovations in the field. Whether you're in engineering, construction, regulation, legal, or insurance, this is the event to attend.

We hope to see you in 2025 to experience the best that TAC and Vancouver, British Columbia, have to offer!

Registration is OPEN! See all the Workshop details including the preliminary program on the event website: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EVEDFJBGYXABH/home

Jul 20 2026
Copper Creek Golf Club (11191 Highway 27, Kleinburg, ON. L0J 1C0)
SAVE THE DATE - TAC Ontario Chapter 2026 Golf Tournament

Join the TAC Ontario Chapter for its 3rd annual golf event in 2026 at the Copper Creek Golf Club. Show your skills with the club and ball and enjoy a relaxed evening with industry colleagues.
Space is limited (only 70 slots available). Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Details:
- Monday, July 20, 2026
- Copper Creek Golf Club (11191 Highway 27, Kleinburg, ON. L0J 1C0)

Registration will open in early Spring 2026.

Registration includes:
• Golf fees and dinner.
• 18 Holes of Golf including Power Carts, Short Game Driving Range, Locker Room Usage, and Scoring
• Dinner menu: will be sent by email for selection upon registration.

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Be a part of our event – get in touch about a sponsorship opportunity!
• Bronze sponsorship - $1,000 (includes 1 free entry)
• Gold sponsorship - $2,000 (includes 2 free entries)
• Platinum sponsorship - $4,000 (includes 4 free entries)

Sponsors will be recognized on the course and the TAC website. Get in touch with admin@tunnelcanada.ca today!