Dr. Herrenknecht (right) receiving a golden apple from Geotechnical Group Treasurer Daniela Bastos at the end of the lecture.

A Chairman of the Board of Management of Herrenknecht AG in Schwanau, Germany, Dr. Herrenknecht graduated from the University of Konstanz, Germany, in 1964 with a Professional Engineering Degree. In 1975, he founded the "Engineering Service Company Martin Herrenknecht" and in 1977 the "Herrenknecht GmbH Tunneling Systems", which in 1998 changed to "Herrenknecht AG". Today, Herrenknecht has grown to become a leading TBM manufacturer with machines in nearly every size and configuration. Herrenknecht machines have been used around the world, and have mined extensively throughout the United States.

Dr. Herrenknecht received the "Ehrendoktorwürde" (Honorable Ph.D.) in 1998 from University of Braunschweig, Germany, and was Guest Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, USA. In 2007, he was decorated with the "Bundesverdienstkreuz 1. Klasse"; (Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany). In 2009, Dr. Herrenknecht became the first non-US citizen to receive the Moles Non-member Award. In 2011, he was made an "honorary senator" by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) for his contribution to the development of tunneling technology. He is the author or co-author of numerous technical papers and reference books.

The presentation focused on major developments in the area of mechanized tunneling as well as an outlook on future challenges. During the lecture, Dr. Herrenknecht explained how the growth and competitiveness of mega-cities within the global market is increasingly dependent on infrastructure. He elaborated on modern supply and transportation systems such as integrated motorway connections, high speed rail networks, and efficient water and sewer treatment and distribution systems form a central condition for regional economic growth.

Dr. Herrenknecht considers that the main focus of globally increasing urbanization should be on the improvement and protection of living conditions with respect to mobility and flexibility while emphasizing sustainable development. This means, for example, a link to suburban centers with direct transit connections. Infrastructural systems link areas, establish capacity for the transport of goods, passengers, and information, and increase quality of life. They are an important premise of sustainable and effective development for cities, regions, and national economies.

The lecture also addressed tunneling challenges including ever larger diameters, greater depths, and longer drives through complex geological and hydrological settings. Dr. Herrenknecht noted that the development and improvement of mechanized tunneling technologies is driven by these challenges and through experience gained during tunneling.

Summary by Nidal AbiSaab. Photo by Ken Wigg.