Tunnels provide long-term solutions to a variety of infrastructure projects ranging from
constructing roadways or pipelines through difficult terrain to freeing up valuable surface
space in dense urban areas. In recent years, the rapid expansion of metropolitan areas has
led nations around the world to give more and more consideration to the upfront investment
of tunneling projects in order to promote more efficient use of surface space and recognize
the significant benefits to society at large
Tunneling is a unique field, requiring geological, geotechnical, mining and civil engineers
to work together with construction contractors and government agencies to deliver resilient
and reliable subsurface infrastructure. Engineering Geologists and Geological Engineers
bridge the gap between site characterization and tunnel construction, acting as a cornerstone
of this interdisciplinary team. Roles of the Engineering Geologist and Geological Engineer in
a tunnel/underground project include:
Site characterization, including subsurface geology and pre-existing infrastructure
Alignment optimization based upon ground conditions/ground behavior
Development of Ground Model based upon understanding of ground conditions and ground behavior for site characterization and ground risk/hazard identification
Identifying and managing geologic hazards (e.g., groundwater, problematic ground conditions, impacts to existing utilities and adjacent structures)
Recommending appropriate excavation and ground support methods
Recommending appropriate groundwater control measures
Recommending appropriate pre-excavation support/ground improvement measures
Estimating project design and construction schedules and costs
Conducting resilience and reliability analyses
Enabling effective communication within interdisciplinary teams
Participation in project Risk Management process
Participating in public outreach efforts associated with underground infrastructure projects.
Deeprock TMS Pvt Ltd Technical Resources has the responsibility of reviewing environmental, engineering geology and geotechnical questions and issues related to feasibility, planning, design, construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of tunnels and underground structures (tunnels, shafts, & caverns). The group makes recommendations to the Board for consideration with respect to position or policy statements on tunnels and underground structure related matters. The technical working group activities include:
Informing our membership of new and emerging technologies
Improving public awareness of tunneling and underground projects (tunnels, shafts, & caverns) and promoting our profession
Improving public awareness of societal benefits associated with development of underground infrastructure
Providing input to local, state, or federal regulations impacting underground infrastructure
Outreach to high schools and universities regarding careers in underground engineering
Tunneling Overview:
Tunnels provide long-term solutions to a variety of infrastructure projects ranging from constructing roadways or pipelines through difficult terrain to freeing up valuable surface space in dense urban areas. In recent years, the rapid expansion of metropolitan areas has led nations around the world to give more and more consideration to the upfront investment of tunneling projects in order to promote more efficient use of surface space and recognize the significant benefits to society at large.
Geological Engineering in Tunneling:
Tunneling is a unique field, requiring geological, geotechnical, mining and civil engineers to work together with construction contractors and government agencies to deliver resilient and reliable subsurface infrastructure. Engineering Geologists and Geological Engineers bridge the gap between site characterization and tunnel construction, acting as a cornerstone of this interdisciplinary team. Roles of the Engineering Geologist and Geological Engineer in a tunnel/underground project include:
Site characterization, including subsurface geology and pre-existing infrastructure
Alignment optimization based upon ground conditions/ground behavior
Development of Ground Model based upon understanding of ground conditions and ground behavior for site characterization and ground risk/hazard identification
Identifying and managing geologic hazards (e.g., groundwater, problematic ground conditions, impacts to existing utilities and adjacent structures)
Recommending appropriate excavation and ground support methods
Recommending appropriate groundwater control measures
Recommending appropriate pre-excavation support/ground improvement measures
Estimating project design and construction schedules and costs
Conducting resilience and reliability analyses
Enabling effective communication within interdisciplinary teams
Participation in project Risk Management process
Participating in public outreach efforts associated with underground infrastructure projects
Types of Tunnels:
Planning the approach to any tunnel/underground project requires careful consideration of geologic setting,
ground condition, ground behavior, and development of a engineering geological model to assist the design
team in decision making and design parameters for evaluation of construction methods, control of groundwater,
design of temporary support, and design of final linings. A clear understanding of the site-specific ground
conditions and ground behavior drive the development of the excavation methods used for underground structures.