USNC/TT STUDY: GEOLOGIC SITE INVESTIGATIONS FOR TUNNELS

The paper describes a study of 84 projects built within the last 20 years including mass transit railroads, water conveyance, sewage/waste water, storm water detention, nuclear plant cooling and hydropower. General data concerning size, location, cost, method of construction and purpose were collected and nine of the projects selected to represent special problems. Analysis was by computer, based on replies to a 15 page comprehensive questionnaire. Case history abstracts were prepared to indicate progress and problems encountered as well as site investigation. The full assay of geotechnical problems can be seen from a summary matrix considering 31 separate items in seven groups: unstable ground, groundwater inflow, hazardous environment, mechanical problems, soft-ground, compressed air and others. Data plots were made correlating parameters with cost, claims or progress. The study found that, in general, assembling and maintaining data relating to the investigation, design, construction and costing was poorly carried out. Exploration adits and shafts often were of questionable cost benefit. Laboratory testing programs and geophysical investigations are beneficial. Data and predictions of groundwater conditions and effects were inadequate.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03620565
• Corporate Authors:

  Pergamon Press, Incorporated

  Headington Hill Hall
  Oxford OX30BW,    
• Authors:
  • Waggoner, E B
  • Daugherty, C W
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 109-119
• Serial:
  • Underground Space
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue Number: 2-3
  • Publisher: Pergamon Press, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0362-0565

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Analysis; Benefit cost analysis; Boreholes; Construction management; Costs; Data banks; Design; Digital computers; Geology; Geophysics; Groundwater; Laboratories; Location; Mechanical stability; Personnel; Questionnaires; Size; Soft soils; Structural design; Terrain; Tests; Tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Cost analysis; Design criteria; Site investigation; Tunnel design
• ITRD Terms: 5711: Bore hole; 5905: Compressibility; 3666: Construction method; 224: Cost; 226: Cost benefit analysis; 8614: Database; 9011: Design (overall design); 8673: Digital computer; 9014: Dimension; 4053: Geology; 5742: Geophysics; 4383: Ground water; 9147: Interview; 6237: Laboratory (not an organization); 9061: Location; 102: Personnel; 5722: Site investigation; 5930: Stability; 4035: Terrain; 6255: Test; 3374: Tunnel
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Finance; Geotechnology; Highways; Public Transportation; Society; I25: Design of Tunnels;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00455389
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1986 12:00AM