Brian Harris, PE
Brian is Drill Tech’s General Manager for Tunneling operations. He has 15 years of tunneling experience (SEM, NATM, elliptical, circular and horseshoe shapes ranging in diameter from 6 feet to 54 feet) through a variety of ground conditions consisting of soft soil, fractured rock, and hard rock. Mr. Harris leads operations on complex, high-profile projects including new construction and rehabilitation, open-face tunnel excavation, and the design/utilization of various ground support techniques such as shotcrete, steel elements, rock bolts, face support, and excavation sequencing.
Brian's Featured Projects
Anderson Dam Tunnel Project | Morgan Hill, CA
Project Manager
This retrofit project established new water supply tunnels, drop shafts, and supporting structures for future reconstruction of Anderson Dam. Drill Tech performed 1,600’ of SEM tunneling with diameters ranging from 19’ to 24’ through the Santa Clara and Franciscan formations of Morgan Hill. Portal shoring was comprised of 120’ deep soil nails and 12” thick reinforced shotcrete. The shaft and ground support were designed by Drill Tech, and incorporated value engineering that included canopy tubes in the transition zone for a stronger tunnel lining to minimize risks and ensure long-term stability of the tunnel.
Upper Llagas Creek Phase 2A | Morgan Hill, CA
Project Manager
Drill Tech constructed this 15’ diameter 2,200’ SEM tunnel through Morgan Hill’s Franciscan formation and variable ground conditions as part of a creek flood stormwater diversion. The tunnel was excavated with roadheader and drill/blast methods, with Drill Tech-designed initial support that included steel beam sets with infill shotcrete, and systematic rock bolts with shotcrete. Drill Tech also designed the 8,700 sqft of temporary shoring and perimeter sound wall for this project. Canopy tubes were installed from both portals and in the tunnel’s transition zone, as Drill Tech’s value engineered tunnel extension included low cover SEM methods of canopy tubes and compartmentalized excavation techniques.
SLC Temple North Addition Tunnel | Salt Lake City, UT
Project Manager
Drill Tech constructed this 20’ diameter 134’ long SEM tunnel as a pedestrian undercrossing within downtown Salt Lake City. The site consisted of loose alluvial deposits of cemented sands and cobbles that required canopy pipes, lattice girder, and shotcrete installation for ground support, which was designed by Drill Tech. Waterproofing and shotcrete final liner were installed at the transition between the tunnel and existing facilities from both ends to ensure long-term durability.
SMUD White Rock Tunnel | Placerville, CA
Project Manager
This repair and reinforcement project was completed for the 24’ diameter 5-mile-long White Rock Hydroelectric Tunnel. Drill Tech performed critical infrastructure consisting of debris removal, rock bolts, and fiber reinforced shotcrete. Challenging site conditions included remote roads and areas requiring rope access. Concurrent work enabled the project to be completed 12 months early.
Two-Mile Bar Tunnel | Jamestown, CA
Project Manager
Drill Tech performed nearly 6,000’ of SEM roadheader excavation for new tunnel construction to establish a canal irrigation water conveyance. The variable ground conditions required support including reinforced shotcrete, rock bolts, and steel sets. Both portals involved Drill Tech value engineering redesign to optimize the portal geometry and integrate Drill Tech's means and methods for subsequent excavation at no cost add to the owner. Tunnel construction was completed with shotcrete and concrete liner to support future irrigation water flow.
