UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTIONS

The most recent reconnaissance, exploration and in situ testing techniques available for the engineering geological study of underground works are described, and areas for further research are indicated. Two main classes of underground constructions are considered: long works with small section, a typical stiuation for tunnels for hydraulic purposes, tunnels for roads, highways or railroads, or access tunnels to large chambers; and localized caverns such as underground power plants, storage rock chambers and underground urban cavities. Photointerpretation is the most used for engineering reconnaissance purposes. Remote sensing techniques have recently undergone much development. Reconnaissance, is followed by a program of exploration. In conditions where the underground construction is shallow, seismic refraction and electrical resistivity techniques are used. In mechanical exploration, the choice of the most adequate method depends an circumstances such as type of geological formation, the stage of development of the design at which the exploration is planned, the thickness of overburden, the type of work and the intended testing. In situ tests such as borehole hydraulic tests, penetration tests, and tests for determination of state of stress are described.

• Corporate Authors:

  National Laboratory of Civil Engineering, Portugal

  Avenida do Brasil
  Lisbon 5,   Portugal 
• Authors:
  • Oliveira, R
• Publication Date: 1975

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 13 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Boreholes; Construction; Electrical resistance; Field tests; Geology; Handling and storage; Overburdens; Photointerpretation; Recommendations; Refraction; Remote sensing; Seismicity; Soil penetration test; Stresses; Surveying; Testing; Tunnels; Underground structures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Seismic refraction
• Old TRIS Terms: Insitu methods; Underground storage; Underground surveying
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Freight Transportation; Geotechnology; Highways; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00133992
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: No 467
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 23 1976 12:00AM