FIELD TEST SECTIONS SAVE COST IN TUNNEL SUPPORT

This study summarizes 50 case histories where instrumented test sections were a key factor in realizing major savings from newer concepts in designing underground works. Savings were most often in the item of tunnel support, using field tests to validate newer approaches. Where the tests formed a coordinated program, savings have been spectacular. One example cited is Britain saving half the construction cost on recent London tunnels. In Sweden, cost of underground works has been reduced to equal or below that of surface alternatives for many facilities such as power plants, sewage and water treatment, oil storage, and parking. Despite growing objections to locating such facilities in the surface environment, high cost has deterred U.S. planners from considering the underground alternative. Major cost improvement could change this, allowing greater use of the underground to alleviate several U.S. problems: urban congestion, pollution and energy waste. The case record charts the road; wider trial of newer and less costly concepts (many developed abroad), using field texts to validate their applicability for U.S. conditions.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398

  National Science Foundation

  1800 G Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20550
• Authors:
  • Lane, K S
• Publication Date: 1975-4

Media Info

• Pagination: 67 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Construction; Construction management; Cost engineering; Costs; Field tests; Structural design; Structural supports; Test sections; Tests; Tunnel lining; Tunnel supports; Tunnels; Underground structures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Construction costs; Tunnel design
• Old TRIS Terms: Supports; Underground supporting
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Finance; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00094294
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: NSF/RA/T-75-035
• Contract Numbers: NSF-GI-41842
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 29 1976 12:00AM