M25 NORTH-EAST SECTOR: DESIGN OF HOLMESDALE AND BELL COMMON TUNNELS

As a result of the decision to place two sections of the M25 north-east sector, at Holmesdale and Bell Common respectively, in tunnel, several unusual design problems were posed. The tunnels being primarily provided for protection of the environment, an important part of the design philosphy was to evolve a concept for each site which would complement this objective by reducing the impact on the locality during construction. Very high traffic volumes were predicted for this motorway designed generally to rural standards, and no special restrictions on operating conditions were feasible for the short lengths of motorway within tunnel. Thus the design had to take account of special provisions in respect of standards, and had also to recognize that the construction of each tunnel would be carried out as a major element in a motorway contract, and in conjunction with a separate contract for electric and mechanical services. The design concept was therefore developed bearing in mind the need to allow tunnel construction to be phased with earthworks, pavement construction and the many other facets of work required for a major motorway contract. See also TRIS abstracts nos 451953 and 451955. (Author/TRRL)

• Corporate Authors:

  Thomas Telford Limited

  London,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Allinson, M G
  • JENKINS, E V
  • Hubbard, H W
• Conference:
  • Institution of Civil Engineers, Proceedings, Pt 1
• Publication Date: 1985-8

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 859-877
• Serial:
  • Volume: 78

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Beltways; Constraints; Construction; Design; Drainage; Environment; Freeways; Highway planning; Impact studies; Planning; Route choice; Structural design; Tunneling; Tunnels; Urban areas
• Uncontrolled Terms: Tunnel design
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 3655: Construction; 9011: Design (overall design); 2937: Drainage; 2455: Environment; 9112: Impact study; 2752: Motorway; 143: Planning; 3374: Tunnel; 8119: United Kingdom; 313: Urban area
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00451954
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 1986 12:00AM