Editorial: Geomechanics and Tunnelling 3/2011

Wulf Schubert

Tunnelling in weak ground and with high overburden is a particular challenge. The problems start with the investigation, as it is definitely no easy task to establish a realistic geological model from the scarce information available.

Characterizing faulted rock is another difficult task. Obtaining representative cores from fault material in great depth requires excellent drilling equipment and experience of the crew. For testing weak rock samples no standardized procedures are available, and only few institutions have appropriate testing equipment, fitting to materials at the boundary between soil and rock. Back analyses from previous projects would be helpful for assessing the properties of the ground, but rarely data from construction are available in sufficient quality.