1

1. OUTLINE

1 Rules

1.1 Scope
This Standard provides the general requirements for planning, research, design,
construction and construction management for mountain tunnels.

[Commentary]
Tunnels shall be constructed to fulfill the purpose of construction safely and economically.
This Standard provides the general technical requirements for mountain tunnels such as road
tunnels, railroad tunnels, waterway tunnels, etc.
The load acting on the tunnel, the behavior of the ground and the impact on the
surroundings are not yet fully solved theoretically because of the diversity of the surrounding
conditions and the complexity of the geology. Those engineers involved in tunneling,
therefore, shall comprehensively consider and decide not only the articles of this Standard,
but also other relevant items, when to apply this Standard for planning, research, design,
construction and construction management.
Also, this Standard specifies items to be considered during the construction from the
viewpoint of the maintenance and management after the tunnels is put in service.
Relevant in addition to this Standard are as follows:
- 2016 Standard Specifications for Tunneling – Shield Tunnels, JSCE.
- 2016 Standard Specifications for Tunneling – Cut and Cover Tunnels, JSCE.
- 2012 Standard Specifications for Concrete Structures – Basic principle, JSCE.
- 2012 Standard Specifications for Concrete Structures – Design, JSCE.
- 2012 Standard Specifications for Concrete Structures – Materials and Construction,
JSCE.
- 2013 Standard Specifications for Concrete Structures – Maintenance and Management,
JSCE.
- Design Standard for Railroad Structures etc. – Urban Mountain Tunnels, Railway
Technical Research Institute, 2002.
- Technical Standard for Road Tunnels – Structures, Japan Road Association, 2003.

1.2 Definitions
Mountain tunneling method: The tunneling method that maintains the internal space
using support measures after the excavation by drill and blast, mechanical or
manpower excavation. This assumes that the ground near the face can keep standing
after excavation until the installation of supports.
Urban mountain tunneling method: The mountain tunneling method that excavates
‘unconsolidated ground’ in ‘urban areas’.
Urban area: An area where buildings and houses exist near the tunnel and there are some
restrictions against the settlement of ground or subsidence of groundwater in the cities
and the surroundings. This includes areas that will be urbanized and have possibility of
future tunnel excavation in the vicinity.
Ground: The general term for the earth and rock materials surrounding the tunnel. It