Portfolio 2 IGC-1804,Carp Irina

Summary on the topic” Tunnel Construction Methods”

One of the important decisions that engineers must make in the tunnel design process is the construction
methods that they will use. Construction of structures on the surface of the land does not compare to the
complexities of tunnel construction. Tunnel construction usually takes place underground. A long tunnel
usually has more complexities if the geological landscape changes very much. However, even in areas with
uniform geological make up, the local rock and soil characteristics can affect the construction of tunnels.
Engineers usually use four tunnel construction methods.
Factors affecting the choice of the tunnel construction methods are as follows: First, the depth of the
tunnel is one of the main issues of concern. Shallow tunnels built within cities to serve as aqueducts or as
underground highways allow engineers to use trenches. If the tunnel needs to pass under a water body or
through a hill, the engineers will favor methods that allow them to bore a hole in the rock mass.Secondly, the
construction methods will depend on the purpose of the tunnel. Tunnels used for transporting water and
sewerage, or for laying communication cables may only be a few feet in diameter. However, if a tunnel is
needed to provide a transport path for a freeway, the construction methods will vary from the smaller
tunnels.The third issues engineers bear in mind when deciding in the best tunnel construction methods to use
is the stability of the surrounding material. If the tunnel is passing through solid rock, then the methods for
use will be different compared to tunnel passing through loose sand or clay formation. The method will also
vary if the tunnel is supposed to pass under a water body or below the water table.
The construction of tunnels is going to improve with time, because more tunnels will be needed to
increase connectivity in various parts of the world. Tunnels are also very attractive because of the limited
environmental impacts they produce.

Vocabulary
Aqueduct(apeduct)- an artificial channel for conveying water, typically in the form of a
bridge across a valley or other gap.
Trenches(tranșee)- a long, narrow ditch.
To bore(a bora)- make (a hole) in something with a tool or by digging
Sewerage(canalizare)- the provision of drainage by sewers.
Clay(lut)- sediment with particles smaller than silt, typically less than 0.002 mm.
Specialized verbs
To bore a hall-a bora un șanț
To provide a transport path-a furniza calea de transport
To lay communication cables-a instala cabluri de comunicație