Health and Safety
Executive
Figure 1 Example of NATM
tunnel excavated in 3 partial
cross-sections
1.3 Some technical features of NATM
Face stability
24 A fundamental technical requirement of a NATM tunnel is the potential for the
ground in the excavation face to remain stable for sufficient time for the lining or
ground support system to be constructed and the tunnel advanced. Clay (like many
soils) has a property commonly referred to as its stand-up time. It is a term that, for
a clay, relates to the ability of the face to be self-supporting, due to the development
of a reduced pore water pressure, following excavation. It is a relatively short-lived
effect (typically between 18-24 hours in London clay) after which time the ground will
collapse. In some materials other than London clay, it may be possible to increase
the stand up time by ground treatment, such as grouting or ground freezing, prior to
excavation. More importantly, it is a concept that cannot always be relied upon in
practice due to factors including variability in the geology, such as naturally occurring
planes of weakness, and changes in water content.
25 In particular, naturally occurring inclined joints in the clay can cause large lumps,
known as greasy-backs to fall from the face. Their size is dependent on the size of
the face and the orientation of the planes of weakness. Although it is unlikely that a
progressive collapse affecting those at the surface will occur, a falling greasy-back
may cause major injury and, potentially, a fatality to a worker. The risk of injury is
greater where the greasy-back falls from higher up the face and may be reduced by:
battering or doming the face;
leaving unexcavated ground as a dumpling against the face;
reducing the size of the advance;
placing a sealing coat of shotcrete on the face and,
more comprehensive ground support measures such as ground anchors and
forepoling (spiling).
26 Forepoling involves the insertion of rods or tubes into the extremities of the
crown face so that the rods are supported from within the tunnel and project above
and beyond the area to be excavated (see also glossary).
Safety of New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) Tunnels Page 19 of 137