TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION

(CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING)

Submitted By: RABIU WASIU ADESOYE. Department of Civil Engineering University of Ibadan.

Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan. Lecturer in Charge: Engr. (Mrs.) J. O. Oladejo

August, 2011

INTRODUCTION
DEFINITIONS
A Road Tunnel is defined as enclosed roadways with vehicle access that is restricted to portals regardless of type of the structure or method of construction1.

USES
Tunnels are used for highway traffic, railroads, and subways; to transport water, sewage, oil, and gas; to divert rivers around dam sites while the dam is being built; and for military and civil-defense purposes.

Plate 1: 50 km Channel Tunnel between UK and France under Construction. Source: Pierre Jean Pompee, Channel Tunnel Construction

MAJOR TUNNELS OF THE WORLD

NAME OF TUNNEL LOCATION LENGTH OF TUNNEL USE OF TUNNEL

Laerdal Tunnel

Norway

24.5 km

Vehicular

Saint Gotthard
Arlberg

Switzerland
Austria

16.3 km
14.0 km

Vehicular
Vehicular

Seikan
Channel Tunnel Qinling (1 & 2)

Japan
UK - France China

54.0 km
50 km 19 km

Railroad
Railroad Railroad

DESIGN CRITERIA

SHAPES
There are three shapes of highway tunnels:

1. 2.
3.

Circular Tunnels Rectangular Tunnels

Horseshoe/ Curvilinear Tunnels.

The shape of the tunnel depends on the mode of construction and the ground conditions.

Circular Tunnels, for instance are usually constructed using either Tunnel Boring Machine Method (TBM) or by Drill and Blast Method. Rectangular Tunnels are usually constructed by the Cut and Cover method, by the immersed method, or by the jacked box tunneling.
Horseshoe Configuration Tunnels are usually constructed by the drill and blast in method, or the Sequential Excavation Method (SEM), also known as the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM)

ALIGNMENTS
The Road Tunnel should be designed in accordance with the respective manual for Geometric Design, e.g. the AASHTO Geometric Code, Nigerian Highway Manual etc.
The width and size of the road should be designed to cater for all kinds of vehicles in the Geometric Code, according to the class of highway it represents (i.e. Federal or State Highway). The Alignment of the Tunnel must be consistent with the alignment of the roadway leading to it.

The Alignment must consider factors like the sight distances, minimum turning radius and design speeds in its design.
Except for maintenance reasons, two way roads should be discouraged in a single tube of tunnel, for safety reasons. Pedestrian and Cyclist use of tunnels should be discouraged except a special passage is designed for them.

TUNNELLING DESIGN METHODOLOGIES

The processes involved in the design of a tunnel are defined as follows: i. Define the functional requirements, including the design life and durability requirements.
ii.Carry out the necessary geologic, geotechnical and geohydrological investigations and analyses. iii.Conduct environmental, cultural and institutional studies to access how they impact the design and construction of the tunnel.

iv.Perform tunnel type studies to determine the most appropriate method of tunnel construction.

TUNNELLING DESIGN METHODOLOGIES

v. Establish the design criteria and perform the design of the various tunnel elements. The initial and final support systems and the lining should be designed, considering the ground conditions and the proposed method of construction. vi. Establish tunnel Alignment, Profile and Cross Section. vii. Determine potential modes of failure. viii. Prepare project documents including construction plans, specifications, schedules, estimates, and Geotechnical Baseline Reports (G.B.R)

Geological Profile and Description of Works for Channel Tunnel between UK and France. Tunnel slope is between 0.2% and 1.1%, often found at 0.6% at U.K Side, and 1.1% at the France side.

GROUNDWATER CONTROL
- Building a dry tunnel is a primary concern for tunnel construction, as a dry tunnel provides a safer, friendlier environment, while significantly reducing operation and maintenance costs. - Based on the advanced waterproofing technologies today, the International Tunneling Association (ITA) recommends the following infiltration criteria:
ALLOWABLE INFILTRATION Tunnels 0.002gal/sq. ft/day Underground Public Space 0.001gal/sq. ft/day

In addition, no dripping or visible leakage is allowed in the structure.

GROUNDWATER CONTROL
There are two basic types of waterproofing systems: drained (open) and undrained (closed).
Open waterproofing system allows groundwater inflow into the tunnel drainage system. The tunnel vault area is equipped with a waterproofing system that forms an umbrella-like protection that drains seeping water into a prepared drainage system located at the bottom of the tunnel sidewalls and in the tunnel invert. It is usually used in rock tunnels where infiltration rates are usually low. Closed Waterproofing system extend around the entire tunnel perimeter, and thus exclude water from entering into the tunnel drainage. The linings are thus designed to cater for hydrostatic pressure. It is used in permeable soils where groundwater discharge into the tunnel would be significant, and its discharge would lower the water table and probably cause settlements.

INVESTIGATIONS
Several investigations are required at the preliminary, design and construction phases of a tunnel project. The processes are highlighted below: Collection and Review of Available Information for a general knowledge of the area (Existing Topographical, hydrological, Geological, Geotechnical, Seismic, Environmental, Zoning etc) Topographic and Aerial Photographs Reconnaissance and Preliminary Surveys Water Well Logs Flood Insurance Maps Hydrographic Surveys Utility Surveys (especially in cities) Identification of Underground Structures and Obstacles

Structure Preconstruction Survey Geologic Mapping Subsurface Investigations Test Borings and Sampling Sampling - Overburden Soils Sampling Rock Core Soil and Rock Identification and Classification In - situ Tests Geophysical Tests Seismic Wave Propagation Laboratory Tests Groundwater Investigation Pumping Tests

TUNNELLING CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGIES

TUNNELLING CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGIES (a) Cut and Cover System.

(b) Pipe Jacking System (Micro Tunneling). (c) Shield Tunneling (TBM).

(d) New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). (e) Immersed-Tube Tunneling System.

CUT AND COVER METHOD

Sequence of Construction (Stages 1 to 3)

CUT AND COVER METHOD

Sequence of Construction (Stages 4 to 6)

CUT AND COVER METHOD

Advantages: Economy for shallow depths (4 - 10 m) and for shorter applications. Un-sophisticated labor and equipment required. Adaptability to different conditions. Simple structural & geotechnical analyses required. Safe environment (ventilation and fire hazard). Disadvantages: Possible disturbances to existing facilities. Practical limitations of depth. Unsuitability under buildings or water.

SOIL GROUTING
Grouting is the process of filling gaps using mortar. In Tunnel Construction, gaps in the soil needs to be filled using mortar to prevent the collapse or sinking of the ground and the tunnel. The process of soil grouting is shown below:

Soil Grouting Techniques

Jet Grouting: Soil Replacement Process

Soil Grouting Techniques

Slurry Wall Concept

(b) Pipe Jacking System (Micro Tunneling)

Schematic Representation

Tunnel Construction

Preparation of Driving Shaft

Jacking Pipes Using Hydraulic Jacks

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Guidance and Positioning Using Laser-Guided Steering System

Tunnel Construction

Laser Guide & Control Monitor

Screen Capture

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Tunnel Construction

MTBM Break Through

Extraction of MTBM
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MTBM - Shields of Different Sizes

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MTBM - Different Shapes of Cutting Heads

Dirt cutter head (clay and silty sand)

Sand shelves

Carbide cutter head (soft to medium hard rock)

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Pipe Jacking System (Micro Tunneling) Advantages:

Suitability for almost all types of soil. Large depths with unlimited lengths of drive. High levels of accuracy and safety. Wide choice of pipe and joint materials. High construction rates. Reduced manpower requirements. Reduced environmental disturbance.
Sophisticated equipment and highly skilled labor. Inability to make rapid changes in line or level. Very expensive corrective actions, if required.

Disadvantages:

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(c) Shield Tunneling (TBM)

Cutter Head

Tunnel Tube

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Support Fluid Circulation System

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Construction Sequence

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Shield Tunneling (TBM) Advantages:

Suitability for almost all types of soil. Suitability for wide tunnels (highway, railway, etc.). Large depths ( > 10 m), with unlimited lengths of drive. Reducing environmental disturbance and utilities diversions.

Disadvantages:

Sophisticated equipment and highly skilled labor. Inability to make rapid changes in line or level. Very expensive corrective actions, if required. Difficult structural and geotechnical analyses reqd.
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(d) NATM
Construction Sequence

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New Austrian Tunneling Method Advantages:

Best alternative for non-circular roadway tunnels. Suitability for almost all stable to strong ground types, including rock. Suitability for a variety of soil conditions. Small thickness of tunnel lining, reducing the amount of excavation. Economy and speed of construction. Highly skilled workers and expert engineers. Safety measures for shotcrete application. Ground water freezing and/or soil strengthening (in case of water-bearing cohesion-less soil).

Disadvantages:

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(e) Immersed-Tube Tunneling System

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(e) Immersed-Tube Tunneling System Construction Sequence:

1. Dredging the trench in river or sea bottom. 2. Prefabrication of tunnel sections, and sealing ends with bulkheads. 3. Floating the sections to the tunnel trench. 4. Lowering the sections to seabed. 5. Joining the sections together underwater. 6. Removing the temporary bulkheads. 7. Backfilling the trench.

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Immersed-Tube Tunneling System Advantages:

Economy (most economical alternative for any type of underwater tunnel crossing). High construction rates (particularly for steel tube tunnels). Wide variety of different conditions.

Disadvantages:

Casting basin (for concrete box tunnels). Highly skilled and experienced workers. Safety measures for underwater construction.
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Other Necessary Features

Lighting Aeration and Ventilation

References
American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials Technical Committee for Tunnels (T 20). Taylor and Francis Group, Handbook of Highway Engineering, 2006. Design Highway Manual, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2006 Jean Pierre Pompee, Channels Tunnel Construction.

Thank you