OVERVIEW OF SOFT GROUND TUNNELLING IN THE HIMALAYAS

Although a large number of tunnels have been constructed in the good rock of southern India, very few tunnels have so far been constructed in the Himalayan region of Northern India. The soft rock of the area comprises different types of rock interspersed with thrust zones, shear zones, folds, faults and explosive gases. Methods of tunnelling used for excavating through crushed, squeezing and swelling rocks are discussed and types of rock support systems are detailed. The presence of methane gas in tunnels under construction in the Himalayas requires precautions to be taken which are reviewed. Although tunnelling machines offer advantages over drill-and-blast methods, the non-availability of spare parts and experienced workers in the Himalayan region means that such equipment is rarely used. Drill-and-blast methods described have been found best suited for the changing rock conditions of the area where an abundant labour force is available. (TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0041414X
• Corporate Authors:

  Morgan-Grampian Limited

  30 Calderwood Street
  London SE18 6QH,   England 
• Authors:
  • Chokshi, C K
• Publication Date: 1982-6

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 21-24
• Serial:
  • Tunnels & Tunnelling International
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Progressive Media Markets, Ltd
  • ISSN: 0041-414X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction management; Drilling; Excavation; Excavation and tunneling; Excavations; Faults; Gases; Hazards; Methodology; Mountains; Presplitting (Blasting); Rocks; Shear zones; Soft rock; Soft soils; Tunnels
• Geographic Terms: India
• Old TRIS Terms: Fault zones
• ITRD Terms: 5188: Blasting; 3666: Construction method; 3871: Drilling; 5155: Excavation (process); 4068: Fault (geomorphol); 6734: Gas; 8045: India; 4048: Mountain; 9150: Risk; 4154: Rock; 3374: Tunnel
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; I25: Design of Tunnels; I54: Construction of Tunnels;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00368880
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 31 1983 12:00AM