Innovative TBM traffic tunnels

Abstract

<p>TBM tunnels, ie. tunnels made with the TBM ("Tunnel Boring Machine") technique are currently the most common in the construction of traffic infrastructure, allowing a significant reduction in costs, environmental impact and construction time. However, TBM traffic tunnels still face important challenges.</p><p>In order to overcome these challenges, innovative concepts were recently developed by the author: the TISB ("Tunnel of Improved Seismic Behaviour") concept, which allows the reliable construction of TBM tunnels on soft ground in seismic areas, and the TMG ("Tunnel Multi Gallery") and the TMF ("Tunnel Multi Floor") concepts, for rail and road tunnels respectively, allow to obtain very economical tunnels, while significantly improving safety of users during operation.</p><p>In the paper the description and justification of these new concepts are presented, as well as their application to TBM railway and road tunnels.</p>