“In the future, we can strive for greater achievements in construction procedures, evaluation systems, system planning, and other aspects to promote the Intelligentization of Tunnel Engineering.” On the afternoon of March 11th, Professor He Chuan, a member of the Party Committee and Vice President of Southwest Jiaotong University, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and an alumnus of our university from the class of 1980, was invited to give an lecture at the Science City campus of Chongqing Jiaotong University. Gong Hui, Chairman of the University Board, Vice President Huang Chengfeng, national, Jiang Shuping, China National Exploration Design Master, and Professor Wu Lizhou attended the lecture. Vice President Zhou Jianting presided over the lecture. More than 700 teachers and students listened and gained insights into the Intelligentization of Tunnel Engineering.

“As a graduate of Chongqing Jiaotong University for nearly 40 years, returning to my alma mater and seeing the young faces, I feel very affable!” At the Student Activity Center, Academician He Chuan affectionately recalled his study experience and the teacher-student relationships at Chongqing Jiaotong University. He sincerely thanked his alma mater for the education and cultivation, and introduced recent developments in publishing monographs, publishing papers, student mentoring, research achievements, awards, research directions, etc.

Academician He Chuan mentioned that engaging in transportation construction requires active participation in engineering practice instead of just theorizing. One must truly understand how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice; knowledge must be made concrete and theories must be visualized in order to absorb the essence of knowledge. Breakthroughs in core technologies require perseverance over a decade. He used tunnel construction methods as an example and summarized his 40 years of dedication to serving the country’s economic development and the development of his discipline at CQJTU with the “four tasks”. He focused on the Integrated Analysis Method for Shield Tunnel Structure with Large Cross-Section, Safe Construction Control Technology for High-wear Strata Shield Tunnel, Anti-freezing Technology for Large Tunnels in High-altitude Permafrost Areas, and Disaster Prevention and Control Methods for Tunnels in Seismic and Fractured Rock Areas. Through easy-to-understand graphics, data explanations, he manifested his experience in overcoming challenges, technological innovations, and widespread applications in these areas. Academician He Chuan stated that China currently has the most tunnel projects and the largest scale in the world, providing vast opportunities for young teachers and students to actively engage in scientific research and engineering construction in the transportation industry to contribute to building a strong transportation country.

“Intelligent tunnel construction integrates mechanization, automation, informatization with existing tunnel construction technology. It involves comprehensive perception, ubiquitous interconnection, integrated processing, active learning of information regarding surrounding rocks, tunnels, machinery, construction, personnel, and utilizes intelligent decision-making methods in tunnel construction.” Academician He Chuan gave an academic report on the development prospects of intelligent tunnel construction, focusing on the key technologies and implementation approaches of intelligent drilling and blasting method construction. He explained research background and technical challenges, the history and current situation of drill and blast tunnels, the progress of intelligent selection of support structures, and suggestions for the existing construction system. Academician He Chuan stated that the overall goal of intelligent drilling and blasting tunnel construction technology is to establish a comprehensive system of key technologies for intelligent construction of ultra-long drill and blast tunnels, including intelligent rock classification, intelligent decision-making for construction methods and support systems, and fully mechanized intelligent equipment for the entire process. It aims to ensure the quality and safety of tunnel construction through informatization and intelligence, achieve less labor-intensive construction and unmanned operation in some dangerous sections and processes.

Academician He Chuan encouraged younger students to cherish their study time, inherit and promote the spirit of the builders of the two plateau highways, strive to achieve their life ideals, and contribute to the country with the wisdom and hard work of youth.

During the lecture, the audience often erupted into thunderous applause, with students impressed by Academician He Chuan’s insightful explanations and profound thoughts. As the lecture came to an end, the venue once again resounded with enthusiastic applause.

After the academic report, on behalf of the university, Gong Hui, the Presidenr of the University Board, presented Academician He Chuan with a commemorative plaque for his academic lecture at CQJTU. Vice President Zhou Jianting presented Academician He Chuan with a portrait made by the Art and Design School, and Luo Yongmei, Secretary of Party Committee of Civil Engineering School, presented flowers to Academician He Chuan on behalf of the faculty and students.

Before the lecture, Academician He Chuan also conducted on-site inspections and guidance for the construction and development of the National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Transportation and Civil Engineering Materials, State Key Laboratory of Mountain Bridge and Tunnel Engineering, and the National Engineering Research Center for Inland Waterway Regulation. Academician He Chuan gave full praise to the rapid development of Chongqing Jiaotong University in recent years, and provided valuable suggestions and opinions for the development of civil engineering disciplines, expressing his intention to further leverage his expertise and fully support the alma mater’s development. Leaders from the Party and Government Affairs Office, the Academician Office, the Publicity Department, the Science City School, and the Future School of Civil Engineering accompanied the field visit.