Deep Excavations and Tunneling in Soft Ground

Abstract

Rational design of a project involving open cutting or tunneling requires the ability to judge whether the proposed work is feasible under various methods of construction, to estimate the settlements and other movements of the adjacent ground surface and structures, and to provide adequate strength and appropriate flexibility or rigidity in the final structure. In this report, observational data are assembled with respect to each of these requirements, and in some instances procedures are suggested for design. Particularly, in the design of tunnel lining, recommendations are made for taking advantage of the strength of the soil rather than for ignoring it in accordance with most present design practice.