Prevention and Mitigation Management of Tunnel Collapse and Failure during Construction-A Review

Abstract

Empirical and numerical methods of design play a vital role in assessing rock mass behaviour quantitatively and qualitatively for the design of underground structures and support systems. The purpose of this research is to review the techniques used for the management and prevention of failures that occur in rock mass for safe, stable, efficient, and economical design of support system for underground structures especially tunnels in diverse rock mass conditions. Failure of tunnels in rocks can occur during construction as well as during service; however, the former is very common. The most challenging task in tunnel construction is the rehabilitation and remedial process of the failed tunnel section. Unfortunately, due to differences in nature, shape, and type of failure, each case needs to be treated discretely and independently. The risk of failure can be minimized by implementing prior preventive measures, while the success of rehabilitation is based on better management of rehabilitation work. However, both prevention and rehabilitation need ample investigative knowledge that can be learned from case histories. The current work is related to the prevention and mitigation methods of tunnel failure and collapses that occur during the early stages of tunnel designing.