Experience of tunnel construction in weak ground

Download the article from Geomechanics and Tunnelling 03/2011.

Wulf Schubert

A whole range of problems are generally associated with the construction of tunnels in weak ground and under high overburden. Among those are large displacements, wide variation of stresses and strains, and sudden water ingress, to name just a few.

A wide variety of behaviours can be experienced, depending on the ground conditions and the influencing factors. The contribution deals with experience from the construction of several Alpine tunnels in faulted rock masses. Specific characteristics of each project are highlighted, and the lessons learned described.