She digs it: the fascinating tradition of naming tunnel boring machines after women

Jessica, Mary, Sophia and Florence – what do these names have in common?

They’re just a few of examples of what some tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have been called.

This curious tradition of naming the enormous machines after women has deep historical roots and continues to be a meaningful practice in modern engineering.

What is a TBM?

A tunnel boring machine is a large tool used to dig tunnels through soil and rock.

They feature a rotating cutting head that grinds away material, creating a tunnel as it moves forward.

TBMs are essential for building underground infrastructure like sewer systems and the underground rail.

History

These machines have revolutionised the way tunnels are built.

Traditional methods of digging tunnels often involved manual labour and explosives.

The introduction of these machines automated the process of tunnelling, making it quicker and safer. TBMs also provide support to tunnel walls as they dig, preventing collapse and reducing the risk of accidents.

Types of TBMs

TBMs come in various sizes and designs, tailored to different types of ground conditions and project requirements.

They’ve been used in major projects worldwide, including the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France, and the Gotthard Base Tunnel in Switzerland.

The development and use of TBMs has significantly advanced the field of civil engineering, allowing for more efficient and safer construction underground.

When did the naming tradition start?

This naming tradition dates back to the 16th century. During this time, miners would ask Saint Barbara for protection from the many dangers they faced underground.

According to legend, Barbara was imprisoned by her father for converting to Christianity. After she escaped, she hid in a rocky cliff that miraculously opened to shelter her.

When her father eventually found and executed her, he was struck instantly by lightning and killed.

But how does that connect to mining?

In the 1500s, gun powder was regularly used to open mines and form tunnels. Saint Barbara’s summoning of a lightning strike was a lot like those mining explosions, making her the patron saint of mining and geology.

Her story signifies resilience, making her a fitting symbol for those working in dangerous conditions underground.

Honouring women and their contributions

Aside from the historical connection to Saint Barbara, naming TBMs after women is a worldwide tradition that also serves to honour the contributions of women in the industry.

Women have played pivotal roles, not only in civil engineering, but also in science, arts, politics and social movements.

For example, Zelda and Gillian, the TBMs used on the North East Link project in Melbourne, were named after two notable women in Australian history. Zelda D’Aprano was a prominent feminist and labour activist, while Gillian Triggs is a respected human rights lawyer.

The story behind TBMs on famous projects

TBMs in the UK

The Crossrail project in London used several TBMs that were all named after notable women, including:

• Phyllis – named after Phyllis Pearsall, who created one of the first London A-Z maps.
• Ada – recognising Ava Lovelace, one of the earliest computer scientists.
• Elizabeth and Victoria – honouring Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria.
• Mary and Sophia – named after the wives of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his father Marc Isambard Brunel, builders of the first tunnel under the Thames.
• Jessica - celebrating Jessica Ennis Hill, a British heptathlete.
• Ellie – in tribute to Ellie Simmonds, a paralympic swimmer.

The Silvertown Tunnel under the River Thames in East London used a TBM named after Jill Viner, who in 1974 was the first woman to drive a London bus.

Several TBMs have played their parts on various sections of High Speed 2 (HS2), including:

• Florence and Cecilia (Chiltern Tunnel) – named after Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, a pioneering astrophysicist.
• Anne (Birmingham) – named after Anne McLaren, a development biologist, representing scientific advancement and research.
• Dorothy (Long Itchington Wood Tunnel) – honouring Dorothy Hodgkin, the first British woman to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
• Sushila and Caroline (Northolt Tunnel West) – in recognition of Sushila Hirani, a local schoolteacher and lead for STEM at Greenford High School, Southall, and astronomer Caroline Herschel.
• Emily and Anne (London tunnels) – named after Emily Sophia Taylor, a midwife who provided maternity care for women who couldn’t afford it and Ealing’s first female mayor. Anne's namesake is Lady Anne Byron, who established England’s first co-operative school for the working classes.
• Lydia (Atlas Road Logistics Tunnel) – celebrating Lydia Gandaa, a former teacher at a local primary school.
• Mary Ann and Elizabeth (Bromford Tunnel) – recognising Mary Ann Evans, better known as George Eliot, the English novelist, and Dame Elizabeth Cadbury, who spent her life campaigning for the education and welfare of women in Birmingham.
• Karen and Madeleine (Euston Tunnel) – named after Karen Harrison, the first female train driver in the UK and Madeleine Nobbs, the former president of the Women’s Engineering Society.

Alice was a TBM used on the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme. It was named after Alice Bacon, the first female MP for Leeds.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s transport projects celebrate Barbara Hepworth, a renowned sculptor from Wakefield.

The Bristol MetroWest project used a TBM named after Agatha Christie, the famous mystery writer.

The South Wales metro project honoured Megan Lloyd George, the first female MP for Wales, representing political progress and advocacy.

Helen, a TBM used on the Glasgow subway, celebrated Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut.

One of the TBMs used in the construction of the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) phase 2 was named after Dorothy Hodgkin, a Nobel Prize-winning chemist.

Isabelle Hargreaves, a local community leader, was honoured with a TBM that worked on the Manchester Ship Canal improvements.

Victoria, for Queen Victoria, was a TBM used for the Liverpool Water Tunnels project.

The Tyne Tunnel's TBM was named after Grace Darling, a famous lighthouse keeper known for her heroic rescue effort.

Deirdre, for Deirdre of the Sorrows, a legendary figure in Northern Irish mythology, was a TBM used on the Belfast Stormwater Tunnel project.

International TBMs

The Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement in Seattle named its TBM Bertha after the first female mayor of the city.

Martha was a TBM used for the Valico Bypass section between Sasso Marconi and Barberino del Mugello in Italy. It broke the record for excavating and lining over 5,000m of tunnel in just 18 months. This TBM recognised a biblical figure known for her diligence and hard work.

Mu Gui-ying, named after a legendary female warrior from Chinese folklore, was used for the Diamon Hill to Kai Tak section of the Tuen Ma Line – a major commuter rail line in Hong Kong.

Gabi, an abbreviation of Gabriele Knecht, a prominent German engineer, was used for the Stuttgart 21 project. This is a major railway and urban development initiative that aims to improve connections between Stuttgart and other major cities.

Nancy, which honours Nancy Bird Walton, a pioneering Australian aviator, was used for the North West Rail Link in Sydney.

Dame Whina Cooper, a Māori rights activist, was recognised with a TBM of the same name, used for the City Rail Link project in Auckland. This TBM excavated two 1.6km long tunnels spanning from Mt Eden to central Auckland.

A TBM named after Pratibha Patil, the first woman president of India, was used on the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project.

Modern significance

Today, the tradition of naming tunnel boring machines after women continues to be a way of recognising and celebrating the role of women in various fields.

This practice serves as a reminder of the progress made towards inclusivity and the importance of celebrating the achievements of women in all areas of life.

It fosters a culture of respect and appreciation, encouraging young girls to pursue careers in engineering and other traditionally male-dominated industries.

As we continue to build and innovate, this tradition remains a meaningful tribute to the past and a hopeful nod to the future.