The topic of “ecological sustainability” is becoming increasingly important in practically all areas of life and the economy. This means that tunnel construction is also being called upon to implement the numerous strategies that are now in place. An important transformation goal is to increase resource efficiency and promote the circular economy. Tunnel excavation material is not waste, but can in many cases be used as a mineral secondary raw material, e.g. as aggregate for concrete and asphalt or as a starting material for brick production. To date, there is no tunnel construction-specific regulation or guideline with the basic objective of comprehensive recycling of excavated material as a raw material or construction material, as specified by existing legislation.

This DAUB recommendation is primarily intended to reflect best practice in tunnel construction in Germany. Against the background of the updating of the legal framework, however, it goes one step further: it shows what needs to be observed in future from the early planning phase through to execution. It will thus provide all those involved in tunnel construction with sound support in implementing the necessary paradigm shift at an early stage, comprehensively and smoothly.

All DAUB recommendations (divided into the subsections BIM, Contract, Excavation, Support, Health and Safety and Withdrawn) can be found in the download area.

The revised recommendation has been assigned to the subsection "Mechanized Tunnelling".