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Chapter1 Introduction

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Tamrat Mekonnen
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11 views

Chapter1 Introduction

Uploaded by

Tamrat Mekonnen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Chapter 1.

Introduction

1.1 What is a
Tunnel?

 Completely
enclosed.

 Open at each
end for entry,
exit.

 Underground.

 Horizontal.

 Many purposes. 1
Some terms in
Tunnelling

Parts of a tunnel
cross-section

Longitudinal
section of
heading
The history of tunnel is very old:
 The first tunnel was constructed about 4000 years
ago in Babylon to connect two buildings.

 The first railway tunnel in the world was constructed


at the end of 19 century to connect Switzerland and Italy.

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1.2 Types of Tunnels
The type of tunnel could be classified based on: (a) purpose/function, or
(b) geomechanical condition of the ground.

(a) Types of Tunnels based on their function


Road As part of the road systems. The road tunnels are generally
Tunnels large size and flexibility in alignment and grade. They can be
both soil and rock.
Rail Tunnels As part of rail systems. The rail tunnels are general medium
size and less flexible in choice of horizontal and vertical
alignment. They can be both soil and rock.

Rapid Transit As part of rapid transit rail systems in urban areas. The tunnels
Tunnels are, in addition to the condition as rail tunnels, also built in
urban environment. They can be both soil and rock.

Water They are used for water diversion, water supply, drainage and
Tunnels irrigation. The tunnels are generally small in size and flexible in
alignment but less flexible in grade. They can be both soil and
Rock.
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Sewage They are used for sewage transport. The tunnels are general
Tunnels in small size and flexible in alignment but less flexible in
grade. They can be both soil and rock.

Hydroelectric They are diversion, intake, tailrace, penstock and other


Tunnels tunnels associated with a hydroelectric system. The tunnels
are flexible in choice of horizontal and vertical alignment.
The powerhouse chamber are large span. They usually built
in rock.

Service and They serve to house for a variety service and utilities
Utilities underground. The tunnels are usually small size and built in
Tunnels urban environment. They can be both soil and rock.

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(b) Types of Tunnels based on geomechanical condition
Based on geomechanical condition tunnels could be classified as rock
tunnel or soil tunnel.

Rock Tunnels:
Hard rock Rocks are generally hard and strong, such as granite and other
igneous rocks, gneiss, schist, hard sandstone, and fresh
limestone. Both drilling-and-blast and TBM are used for
Tunnelling.
Weak rock Rocks are generally weak and with low strength, such as shale,
mudstone, weak sandstone, and other low strength sedimentary
rocks. TBM are often used for tunnelling.

Soil Tunnels:
Stiff soil Soils are generally firm and stiff, such as consolidated soil,
residual soil. Open shield are usually used for tunnelling.
Soft soil Soils are generally soft and sometimes swelling, typical soil is
clay. Close shield are often used for tunnelling.
Mixed Mixed face can vary from mixed soils to rock-soil mixed faces.
ground They are usually more problematic to tunnel. 6
1.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of Tunnels

1.3.1 Necessity/Advantages of a Tunnel

The necessity of constructing a tunnel may arise because of


one of the following conditions.

a) A tunnel may be required to eliminate the need for a long


and circuitous route for reaching the other side of a hill.
 As it would considerably reduce the length of the
road and may also prove to be economical.

b) It may be economical to provide a tunnel instead of a


cutting, particularly in a rocky terrain.
 Depending upon various factors, a rough
calculation would indicate that for a small stretch
of land the cost of constructing a tunnel is equal to
the cost of cutting a rocky terrain. 7
c) In hills with soft rocks, a tunnel is cheaper than cutting.

d) In metropolitan towns and other large cities, tunnels are


constructed to accommodate underground space in
order to provide a rapid and unobstructed means of
transport.

e) A tunnel constructed under a river bed may sometimes


prove to be more economical and convenient than a
bridge.

f) In the case of aerial warefare, transportation through


tunnels provides better safety and security compared to
a bridge or deep cutting.

g) The maintenance cost of a tunnel is considerably lower


than that of a bridge or deep cutting.
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1.3.1 Disadvantages of a Tunnel

a) The construction of a tunnel is costly as it


requires special construction machinery and
equipment.

b) The construction of a tunnel involves the use of


sophisticated technology and requires
experienced and skilled staff.

c) It is time-consuming process.

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1.4 What is the
current Tunnelling
practice in Ethiopia?

 Hydroelectric power
projects

 Irrigation projects

 Road projects

 Railroad projects

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Ethiopia needs to
specialize in
tunnelling for a
number of reasons:

 The country is rocky


and mountainous.

 Mega-projects are going


on which demand
tunnels.

 With further
development, the
demand for tunnels will
increase; hence the
need for such
engineering
specializations.
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