2 - Subsurface Space - An Important Dimension in Swedish Construction

Abstract

This chapter focuses on subsurface space, which is an important dimension in Swedish construction. Underground installations provide the advantage of having minimum impact on the environment, both during the construction period and subsequently in use. When planning for an underground facility, the fundamental aspects to be considered are the function of the installation and its interaction with other activities in the surroundings. The important issue in the successful implementation of underground facilities in Sweden is the normally very competent rock and also the continuous research and development of sophisticated methods and equipment within the construction and mining industry in close cooperation with contractors, consultants and governmental bodies. This cooperation is set as an example in other countries. Geoscience and tunneling technology lead to a rational use of the underground rock and to a balance between the reasonable utilization of surface and subsurface space. For an efficient tunneling operation, it is important to have the tunneling sequence of drilling, charging, ventilating, scaling, and mucking out fit into the working hours of one shift.