Week 1 Tunnelling & TBM Course: General Aspects of Tunnelling

This 2nd Level Specializing Master is intended to cover the following aspects in detail:

• Tunnel design and construction methods
• Rock mass characterization. Geotechnical investigation and risk assessments
• Tunnel supports
• Mechanized Tunnelling
• Hard Rock TBM
• Soft ground Tunnelling
• Plants and Microtunnelling
• Contractual and Legislative aspects
• Work site management, safety and environmental issues

Since the group is from various background and various experience levels, the initial course content is intended to homogenize the group with quick overview of fundamentals before the area experts are invited for specific lectures.

Week 1 of this course is intended to cover General aspects of Tunnelling and Underground structures design.

Key concepts and basics of underground structures design was covered in this week. As a further reading, following Guidelines and books are reviewed:

• 2008, Kersten Lecture - Integration of Geotechnical and Structural design in Tunnelling, E. Hoek et al.
• Support of Underground Excavations in Hard Rock, E. Hoek, A.A.Balkema
• Mechanical analysis of circular liners with particular reference to composite supports. doi:10.1016/j.tust.2009.02.001
• Chapter 2 (Risk Management) - Mechanized Tunnelling in Urban Areas, V.Guglielmetti et. al, Taylor and Francis

Additional Reading and References:

• Sections of the book Practical Rock Engineering
• Engineering Design Manual 1110-2-2901: Tunnels and Shafts in Rock. US Army Corps of Engineers
• Tunnel Lining Design Guide - British Tunnelling Society and The institution of Civil Engineer
• AFTES, Choosing Mechanized Tunnelling Techniques