INNOVATIONS IN TUNNEL SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Innovations in the design and construction of tunnel support systems and applications of new materials for tunnel supports are presented in the report. Medium-to-large transportation tunnels in both soil and rock are considered. While primary emphasis is given to support systems for machine-bored tunnels, improvements in conventional tunnel supports are also included. The Extruded Liner System, which can place a lining by slipform methods immediately behind a boring machine, is described in detail. The lining material which now makes such a system practical is wire-fiber reinforced concrete made with high, very-early strength regulated-set concrete. Modifications of segmented-type linings are suggested to extend their range of applicability, and better ways of erecting them are indicated. Polymer concrete is the most promising new material for segmented linings. Square tubular and circular pipe sections are shown to be structurally superior to wide flange sections for steel frame tunnel supports subjected to a complex set of loads from directions largely governed by the joint pattern in the rock mass. New materials for sprayed support systems and semiautomatic mechanization of sprayed support systems are evaluated. Guidelines for selection of the most economical tunnels are presented. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  205 North Mathews Avenue
  Urbana, IL  United States  61801-2352
• Authors:
  • Parker, H W
  • Semple, R M
  • Rokhsar, A
  • Febres-cordero, E
  • Deere, D U
• Publication Date: 1971-5

Media Info

• Pagination: 263 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Construction; Design; Fiber reinforced concrete; Linings; Loads; Polymer concrete; Production methods; Reinforced concrete; Slip form pavers; Structural analysis; Structural design; Tunnel lining; Tunneling; Tunneling machines; Tunnels; Vehicular tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Structural properties; Tunnel design
• Old TRIS Terms: Lining processes; Slip forms; Tunnel support systems
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Construction; Design; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00039297
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: FRA-RT-72-17 Final Rpt
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FR-0-0023
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 1973 12:00AM