Research on the Design and Construction of Inclined Shafts for Long Mountain Tunnels: A Review

Abstract

In recent years, inclined shafts have been widely used in long mountain tunnels, but the corresponding design and construction technical specifications need to be improved. By means of literature statistics and actual cases, a comprehensive and systematic review is made on the tunnel profile, lining structure, construction and operation ventilation, construction methods, and machinery of inclined shafts for long mountain tunnels. The results show that: (1) The design of a gentle slope section of an inclined shaft with large longitudinal slope needs to be further improved; (2) When an inclined shaft is only used for ventilation in the operation stage, it is necessary to make full use of the natural wind and eliminate its adverse effects; (3) It is suggested to study the supporting parameters of an inclined shaft in order to realize the standardised design of the supporting parameters; (4) The space of an inclined shaft is narrow, and it has practical demand in improving the automation, intelligence, management, and dispatching level of transport vehicles. In the future, it is an inevitable trend for electric vehicles to replace fuel vehicles. It is necessary to carry out further research on inclined shaft longitudinal slope design, construction and operation ventilation design, and transportation mode.