Module 1 (21CV72)
Module 1 (21CV72)
Module 1
Question Bank
Underground tunnel and shaft construction is a critical aspect of civil engineering and
infrastructure development. It involves creating subterranean passages or vertical shafts for
various purposes, including transportation, utilities, and mining. This process requires meticulous
planning, engineering, and execution to ensure structural integrity and safety.
Site Assessment: Before construction begins, a thorough site assessment is conducted. This
includes geological surveys to understand soil and rock conditions, groundwater levels, and
potential hazards. The data collected informs the design and method of construction.
Design Considerations: The design of tunnels and shafts involves several key elements:
Alignment and Gradient: The path of the tunnel must be carefully aligned to meet the
project’s requirements and minimize disruptions to surface activities.
Cross-Sectional Shape: The shape of the tunnel or shaft depends on its purpose and the
surrounding geology. Common shapes include circular, rectangular, or horseshoe-shaped.
Structural Support: The design must account for the support systems required to
maintain stability. This includes determining the type of lining and reinforcement needed.
2. Construction Methods
Tunnel Construction: There are several methods used for tunnel construction, each suited to
different conditions and requirements:
Cut-and-Cover Method: This involves digging a trench from the surface, constructing
the tunnel within it, and then covering it up. It is typically used for shallow tunnels and
urban areas but can be disruptive.
Bored Tunneling: A tunnel boring machine (TBM) is used to excavate and construct the
tunnel simultaneously. This method is suitable for long, deep tunnels and minimizes
surface disruption. TBMs come in various types, including earth-pressure balance
machines and slurry shield machines, depending on soil conditions.
Drill and Blast Method: This method involves drilling holes into the rock, placing
explosives, and detonating them to break the rock. The resulting rubble is then removed,
and the tunnel is lined and supported. This technique is commonly used in hard rock
environments.
Shaft Construction: Shafts are vertical or near-vertical excavations used for access, ventilation,
or utility services. There are several methods for shaft construction:
Drilling and Lining: This method involves drilling a borehole and then lining it with
concrete or steel. It is often used for small to medium-sized shafts.
Caisson Method: Large cylindrical caissons are sunk into the ground to create a shaft.
This method is used for deeper shafts and is suitable for soft or water-bearing soils.
Box Cut Method: This involves excavating a large box-like pit down to the required
depth, constructing the shaft within it, and then backfilling around the shaft. This method
is used for shallow shafts in urban areas.
Initial Support: Immediately after excavation, temporary support systems such as rock bolts,
mesh, and shotcrete (sprayed concrete) are often installed to prevent collapses. These supports
are essential until the permanent lining is in place.
Permanent Lining: The permanent lining provides long-term stability and protection. Common
materials include:
Concrete Lining: Reinforced concrete segments are often used for their durability and
strength.
Steel Lining: Used in situations where flexibility is required, or where extreme
conditions are present.
Water Control: Managing groundwater is a crucial aspect of tunnel and shaft construction.
Techniques such as dewatering (removing water from the construction area) and waterproof
linings are employed to prevent flooding and maintain stability.
4. Safety Considerations
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to ensure the safety of workers and the effective
removal of harmful gases and dust. Systems are designed to provide fresh air and control
temperature and humidity levels.
Emergency Procedures: Emergency plans and procedures are established to address potential
hazards, including collapses, fires, and water ingress. Regular drills and training ensure that all
personnel are prepared to respond effectively.
5. Post-Construction
Finishing Work: Once the tunnel or shaft is constructed, finishing work includes installing
necessary infrastructure, such as lighting, signage, and systems for ventilation and safety.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to ensure the continued safety and functionality
of the tunnel or shaft. This includes inspecting the structural integrity, checking for water leaks,
and maintaining ventilation systems.
2. Micro-tunneling
Soil Removal: Excavated soil is transported from the tunnel face to the surface using
various methods, such as slurry systems or conveyor belts. The choice of method depends
on the soil type and project requirements.
Support Systems: Temporary or permanent support systems may be required to stabilize
the tunnel during construction, depending on the ground conditions.
3. Micro-Tunneling Methods
Description: This method involves the use of an open-faced TBM, which excavates soil
from the front of the machine. The excavated material is removed through a conveyor
system or slurry pipeline.
Applications: Open face micro-tunneling is typically used in stable ground conditions
where the risk of collapse is low. It is often employed for installing pipelines in cohesive
soils.
4. Advantages of Micro-Tunneling
Urban Environments: Micro-tunneling is ideal for projects in urban areas where surface
disruption can cause significant inconvenience. The method reduces the need for
extensive surface excavation, which minimizes traffic disruption and property damage.
Less Excavation Waste: The method generates less waste compared to traditional
excavation techniques, as the soil removed is often used in backfilling or recycling
processes.
Protection of Ecosystems: By avoiding large surface disturbances, micro-tunneling
helps protect local ecosystems and reduces the risk of environmental contamination.
Reduced Safety Risks: The use of remote-controlled TBMs and minimal surface
excavation reduce the risk of accidents and improve worker safety.
Time Efficiency: Micro-tunneling can be faster than traditional methods, particularly in
challenging ground conditions, due to its continuous operation and minimized surface
work.
Specialized Equipment: The need for specialized equipment, such as TBMs and
guidance systems, can increase the cost of micro-tunneling projects.
Initial Investment: The initial investment in equipment and technology can be
significant, although it is often offset by the long-term benefits of reduced surface
disruption and maintenance.
6 Applications of Micro-Tunneling
Utility Installation:
Water and Sewer Systems: Micro-tunneling is commonly used for installing water and
sewer pipelines in urban areas where space is limited and surface disruption needs to be
minimized.
Telecommunications:
Cable Ducts: The method is ideal for installing telecommunications cables and ducts,
ensuring reliable communication infrastructure without extensive surface excavation.
Transportation:
Pedestrian and Vehicle Tunnels: Micro-tunneling can be used for constructing small-
scale pedestrian or vehicle tunnels, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Environmental Projects:
Tunnel driving, the process of constructing underground tunnels, involves various methods and
techniques tailored to different geological conditions. Hard and soft strata represent two distinct
types of ground conditions that significantly influence the choice of construction methods,
equipment, and safety measures. This document provides a comprehensive overview of tunnel
driving in both hard and soft strata, addressing the specific challenges, methods, and
considerations associated with each.
Hard Strata
Hard strata typically consist of dense, compact materials such as rock, hard clays, or cemented
sediments. Examples include granite, basalt, and limestone. Hard strata are characterized by high
strength and stability, which can make excavation challenging due to their rigidity and the
potential for fracturing.
Soft Strata
Soft strata, on the other hand, include materials like loose sands, silts, and clays. These materials
are less compact and more prone to deformation and collapse. Soft strata are generally easier to
excavate but can pose significant challenges in terms of ground stability and water ingress.
Methods
Process: The drill and blast method involves drilling holes into the rock, inserting
explosives, and detonating them to break the rock into manageable pieces. The rubble is
then removed, and the tunnel is lined for stability.
Advantages: Effective in hard rock conditions and allows for flexible tunnel profiles.
Disadvantages: Generates vibrations and noise, requires careful handling of explosives,
and involves significant environmental and safety considerations.
Process: Hard rock TBMs, also known as hard rock or rotary TBMs, are equipped with
heavy-duty cutting tools designed to grind through hard materials. They often use a
combination of disc cutters, roller cutters, and rock crushers.
Advantages: Provides continuous operation with less surface disruption compared to
drill and blast. The machine is also capable of installing the tunnel lining simultaneously.
Disadvantages: High initial cost and complexity. The effectiveness of the TBM depends
on the hardness of the rock and the presence of faults or fractures.
Raise Boring:
Process: Raise boring involves drilling a pilot hole from the surface down to the tunnel
level and then enlarging it using a reaming head. This method is used for creating vertical
or near-vertical shafts connecting to horizontal tunnels.
Advantages: Effective for creating vertical connections in hard rock conditions with
minimal surface disruption.
Disadvantages: Limited to vertical or near-vertical excavations and may be affected by
rock conditions and stability.
Challenges
Rock Hardness: Extremely hard rock can cause excessive wear on equipment and slow
down the excavation process.
Ground Stability: Fractured or unstable rock requires careful management to prevent
collapses and ensure tunnel safety.
Water Ingress: Hard rock can be prone to water ingress through fractures, requiring
effective dewatering and waterproofing measures.
Methods
Process: EPB TBMs are designed to maintain earth pressure at the tunnel face using a
balance of soil and pressure within the machine. The excavated soil is mixed with a
binding agent and transported out through a screw conveyor or slurry system.
Advantages: Effective in soft, cohesive soils and can prevent ground collapse. The
machine also supports the tunnel face during excavation.
Disadvantages: Less suitable for very soft, loose soils without proper stabilization
measures.
Slurry TBM:
Process: Slurry TBMs use a mixture of bentonite or other slurries to support the tunnel
face and transport excavated soil. The slurry creates a hydraulic pressure that stabilizes
the ground and allows for the removal of soil.
Advantages: Suitable for loose and water-saturated soils. Provides excellent ground
stabilization and can handle high groundwater pressures.
Disadvantages: Requires careful management of slurry properties and disposal, and may
be affected by soil contamination.
Cut-and-Cover Method:
Process: Involves excavating a trench from the surface, constructing the tunnel within it,
and then covering it. This method is generally used for shallow tunnels.
Advantages: Simpler construction process and allows for easy access and construction of
tunnel linings.
Disadvantages: Significant surface disruption and may not be suitable for deep or urban
environments.
Challenges
Ground Stability: Soft strata are prone to collapse and require effective support systems
to maintain tunnel stability.
Water Ingress: High groundwater levels can lead to flooding and instability,
necessitating robust dewatering and waterproofing measures.
Settlement: Excavation in soft soils can lead to surface settlement or subsidence,
affecting buildings and infrastructure above.
Hard Strata:
Rock Bolting: Reinforces the tunnel walls by installing bolts into the rock to provide
additional support and prevent collapses.
Shotcrete: Sprayed concrete applied to the tunnel walls for immediate stabilization and
protection.
Steel Sets: Steel rings or frames may be used to provide additional structural support in
areas where the rock is particularly weak or fractured.
Soft Strata:
Hard Strata:
Soft Strata:
4. Bedding of Conduits
The bedding of conduits is a critical aspect of tunnel construction, ensuring that pipes or cables
are securely installed and protected within the tunnel. Proper bedding is essential for the long-
term functionality and safety of the conduit systems.
Conduit Placement
Process: In hard rock conditions, conduits are placed within pre-excavated or bored
sections of the tunnel. The rock is typically stable enough to support the conduits without
additional bedding material, although some form of support may be necessary in areas of
high stress or fracturing.
Support: Concrete or steel supports may be used to secure the conduits and prevent
movement.
Lining: The tunnel lining, often reinforced concrete, is installed to protect the conduit
and maintain tunnel stability.
Challenges
Rock Fractures: Fractured or unstable rock may require additional support or grouting
to stabilize the conduit bedding.
Surface Roughness: The rough surface of hard rock can affect conduit placement and
alignment, requiring careful adjustment and support.
Conduit Placement
Process: In soft soils, conduits are placed within a prepared bedding layer, often made of
gravel or sand. This bedding layer provides support, prevents movement, and helps
distribute loads evenly.
Support: Geotextiles or reinforcement materials may be used to enhance the stability of
the bedding layer and prevent erosion or displacement.
Lining: A protective lining may be installed around the conduit to guard against soil
ingress and water infiltration.
Challenges
Soil Movement: Soft soils are prone to shifting and subsidence, which can affect conduit
stability. Proper compaction and support are essential to mitigate these issues.
Water Management: Effective drainage and waterproofing measures are necessary to
manage groundwater and prevent flooding within the bedding area.
Material Selection
Quality Control
Inspection: Regular inspections are required to ensure that the bedding is properly
installed and that conduits are aligned and supported.
Testing: Soil and material tests may be conducted to verify the suitability of bedding
materials and the effectiveness of the installation.
Maintenance
Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of the tunnel and conduit systems helps detect any
issues related to settlement, water ingress, or material degradation.
Repairs: Prompt repairs and maintenance are necessary to address any problems and
ensure the long-term functionality of the conduit systems.
Soil excavation involves the removal of earth and other materials to create space for underground
structures. The choice of excavation technology depends on various factors, including soil type,
project requirements, and environmental conditions.
Excavation Methods
Mechanical Excavation
Bucket Excavators:
o Description: Bucket excavators use a bucket attached to a rotating arm to scoop
soil and load it onto conveyors or trucks. They are particularly effective for
excavating soft to moderately hard soils.
o Advantages:
Efficient for large volumes of soil removal.
Suitable for soft to medium soils with moderate hardness.
o Disadvantages:
Less effective in very hard or rocky conditions.
Surface vibrations and noise can be significant.
Backhoes and Shovels:
o Description: These versatile machines are used for digging trenches, pits, and
other excavation needs. Backhoes have a bucket attached to the end of a two-part
arm, while shovels have a similar configuration but are often used in different
contexts.
o Advantages:
Highly versatile; capable of working in confined spaces.
Adjustable for different excavation needs.
o Disadvantages:
Less efficient for large-scale or deep excavation.
Limited effectiveness in very hard soils or rocks.
Description: TBMs are used for creating tunnels and consist of a rotating cutter head that
breaks up soil and rock. The broken material is transported out through a conveyor or
slurry system.
o Types:
Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBM: Designed for soft soils, it balances
earth pressure to prevent tunnel collapse.
Slurry TBM: Uses a slurry to support the tunnel face and transport
excavated material, suitable for loose and water-saturated soils.
Hard Rock TBM: Equipped with heavy-duty cutters for breaking through
hard rock.
o Advantages:
Continuous excavation minimizes surface disruption.
Effective for various soil and rock conditions depending on TBM type.
o Disadvantages:
High initial cost and complex operation.
Requires space for setup and operation.
Description: This method involves drilling holes into rock, filling them with explosives,
and detonating them to fragment the rock. The broken rock is then removed.
o Advantages:
Effective for hard rock conditions.
Allows for flexible tunnel profiles and alignment.
o Disadvantages:
Generates noise, vibrations, and dust.
Requires careful handling of explosives and mitigation of environmental
impacts.
Hand Excavation
Description: Manual excavation methods are used in confined spaces or for delicate
tasks where heavy machinery cannot access.
o Advantages:
Provides precision in constrained environments.
Suitable for detailed or small-scale excavation tasks.
o Disadvantages:
Labor-intensive and slow.
Limited to small-scale operations.
Conveyor Systems
Description: Conveyor belts transport excavated soil from the tunnel face to surface or
storage areas.
o Advantages:
Efficient for continuous removal of large volumes of soil.
Reduces manual handling and labor.
o Disadvantages:
Requires significant space for installation.
Limited by tunnel size and configuration.
Slurry Systems
Description: Slurry systems, used with slurry TBMs, transport soil mixed with water and
additives to the surface.
o Advantages:
Effective for managing water-saturated soils.
Minimizes dust and noise.
o Disadvantages:
Requires handling and disposal of slurry.
Can be affected by soil contamination and high water content.
Pneumatic Systems
Description: Pneumatic excavation uses air pressure to move soil and debris through
pipes to the surface.
o Advantages:
Effective for loose, dry soil and debris.
Can be used in confined spaces.
o Disadvantages:
Less suitable for wet or cohesive soils.
Requires maintenance and monitoring of air pressure systems.
Soil compaction is essential for enhancing the stability and load-bearing capacity of soil around
underground structures. Proper compaction reduces settlement and improves soil engineering
properties.
Compaction Methods
Mechanical Compactors
Vibratory Rollers:
o Description: Use vibration and pressure to compact soil. These are effective for
granular soils and are commonly used for large-scale projects.
o Advantages:
High efficiency for compacting large areas.
Suitable for granular soils.
o Disadvantages:
Less effective for cohesive or clayey soils.
Potential for over-compaction if not monitored carefully.
Static Rollers:
o Description: Apply pressure without vibration, making them suitable for
cohesive soils.
o Advantages:
Effective for clayey and cohesive soils.
Reduces the risk of over-compaction.
o Disadvantages:
Slower compared to vibratory rollers.
Less effective for granular soils.
Tamping Rollers:
o Description: Use a series of heavy tampers to compact soil in small areas or
trenches.
o Advantages:
Useful in narrow or confined spaces.
Good for initial compaction.
o Disadvantages:
Limited to small areas.
Slower process compared to other methods.
Dynamic Compaction
Impact Compaction
Jetting:
o Description: Injects water into the soil to reduce friction and facilitate
compaction.
o Advantages:
Useful for loose or sandy soils.
Enhances soil consolidation and reduces soil resistance.
o Disadvantages:
Risk of soil liquefaction or instability.
Requires careful management of water levels.
Vibro-Compaction:
o Description: Uses vibratory probes to densify soil by rearranging soil particles.
o Advantages:
Effective for granular soils.
Reduces soil settlement and improves load-bearing capacity.
o Disadvantages:
Limited to granular soils.
Effectiveness can be influenced by soil layering and heterogeneity.
Soil Testing
Standard Proctor Test: Measures the maximum dry density and optimum moisture
content of soil.
o Purpose: Determines the soil’s compaction characteristics and suitability for
construction.
o Frequency: Conducted regularly during excavation and compaction to ensure
compliance with engineering specifications.
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test: Assesses the soil’s load-bearing capacity.
oPurpose: Provides information on the strength of the soil and its ability to support
loads.
o Frequency: Conducted to evaluate soil strength before and after compaction.
Compaction Density Test: Measures the density of compacted soil.
o Purpose: Ensures that the soil has been compacted to the required density.
o Frequency: Regularly performed to verify compaction quality.