Surface and Subsurface Engineering Geological Characterization for Empirical Design Excavation Method and Support System of Jragung Dam Diversion Tunnel, Indonesia

Abstract

The diversion tunnel of Jragung Dam was initially designed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) based on assessment of limited drill cores. Due to the uncertainty in the use of single empirical tunneling method and limited data for the tunnel design, this research was conducted to better characterize the rock masses and provide design alternatives for the tunnel construction. In addition to drill core evaluation, surface engineering geological mapping was carried out to obtain complete parameters of Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Q rock mass classifications for designs of the tunnel excavation method and support system. The results show that the tunnel area consists of highly weathered sandstone and claystone layers with extremely poor to fair rock mass quality. The rock masses have very favorable and fair discontinuity strike and dip orientations with respect to the tunneling direction. The recommended excavation methods are top heading and bench and multiple drifts. The tunnel mostly requires rock bolt and shotcrete support system and the tunnel sections with poor rock mass quality require additional installation of steel sets. This research highlights potential collapse of the extremely poor quality rock masses near the tunnel portals during excavation of the diversion tunnel.