NATM

New Austrian Tunneling method

The New Austrian tunneling method (NATM), is a method of modern tunnel design and
construction employing sophisticated monitoring to optimize various wall reinforcement
techniques based on the type of rock encountered as tunneling progresses. NATM was originally
developed for use in the Alps, where tunnels are commonly excavated at depth and in high in situ
stress conditions. The principles of NATM are fundamental to modern-day tunneling, and
NATM involves specifically addressing the specific soil conditions being encountered.
The NATM is also known as the sequential excavation method (SEM) or sprayed concrete
lining method (SCL)
NATM has seven elements:-
1) Exploitation of the strength of native rock mass – Relies on the inherent strength of the
surrounding rock mass being conserved as the main component of tunnel support.
Primary support is directed to enable the rock to support itself.
2) Shotcrete protection – Loosening and excessive rock deformation must be minimised.
This is achieved by applying a thin layer of shotcrete immediately after face advance.
3) Measurement and monitoring – NATM requires installation of sophisticated
measurement instrumentation. It is embedded in lining, ground, and boreholes. In the
event of observed movements, additional supports are installed only when needed
4) Flexible support –The tunnel is strengthened by a flexible combination of rock bolts, wire
mesh and steel ribs, not by a thicker concrete lining.
5) Closing of the invert – Especially crucial in soft ground, the quick closing of the invert
(the bottom portion of the tunnel) which creates a load-bearing ring is important, and has
the advantage of engaging the inherent strength of the rock mass surrounding the tunnel.
6) Contractual arrangements – Since the NATM is based on monitoring measurements,
changes in support and construction method are possible.
7) Rock mass classification, ranging from very hard to very soft, determines the minimum
support measures required and avoids economic waste that comes from needlessly strong
support measures.
 NATM: Some basic principles
Although NATM refuses to be defined as a specific technique, there are some common
underlying principles:
 Maximize the inherent resistance of the rock mass, allowing for deformation in a way that the
rock becomes its own support.
 The application of a thin layer of shtocrete to prevent a greater defornation of the rock mass
 Systematic measuring and assessment of any tunnel movements, in order to provide any relevant
additional support measures
 Flexible support with active elements that combine bolts, steel mesh and shotcrete
NATM allows the deformation of the rock mass before stabilizing the tunnel, which reduces the
amount of additional support materials required.

NATM method of construction related machine

 Concrete spraying machine

 Compressor
 Concrete batching plant
 Contra fan for ventilation
 Turntable
 Laser plot system
 Drill jumbo

Laser Tunnel Scanning System (LTSS)

Pavemetrics® Laser Tunnel Scanning System (LTSS) uses multiple high-speed laser scanners to
acquire both 2D images and high-resolution 3D profiles of tunnel linings.

LTSS technology was used to scan high-speed-train rail tunnels such as the 28-km-long Spanish
Guadarrama Tunnel in full 1-mm resolution (x,y,z) in just 3 hours.

Turntable-

Australian Turntables turn your vehicles around safer and faster. Facing forward when operating
a truck in tunnels will get the job done with less risk of collision. Ideal for tight locations and
projects that don’t have much room.

Video link- https://youtu.be/2uLDfrwkgfs