Introductory description

ES94V-15 Tunnel Design

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Fundamental principles of soil / structure interaction
Principles of reinforced concrete design relevant to tunnel linings, including fibre-reinforced concrete
Closed-form solutions for tunnel lining analysis
Concept and detailed design of primary and secondary lining systems: precast concrete segmental linings, sprayed concrete linings, ferrous metal and cast in situ reinforced concrete linings (shafts and tunnels)
Analysis and design at openings
Traditional timber heading design
Estimation of subsurface settlements and their effects on neighbouring buried structures
Design of secondary linings systems
Design under extreme loading (fire, seismic etc.)
Conceptual design of tunnels to meet clients’ requirements
Design to appropriate standards to deliver required functionality (characteristic ground parameter determination, structural factor of safety, watertightness, design life etc.)
The design process in industry, and design in the context of sustainability, whole life cost, futureproofing and the CDM Regulations

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the design process and current legal, health and safety, economic, social and sustainability influences on design, and interpret clients’ requirements in the light of these constraints.
• Evaluate the appropriateness of practical methods for soil-structure interaction and tunnel lining analysis.
• Systematically apply methods of design of a range of tunnel lining types and configurations, and critique their output.
• Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the performance of tunnels under extreme loading and how to mitigate its effects.
• Predict subsurface ground movements resulting from underground excavations and evaluate their effects on neighbouring structures.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

1. Ability to conceive, make and realise a component, product, system or process
2. Ability to develop economically viable and ethically sound sustainable solutions
3. Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, concepts to become reality
4. Ability to seek to achieve sustainable solutions to problems and have strategies for being creative and innovative
5. Ability to be risk, cost and value-conscious, and aware of their ethical, social, cultural, environmental, health and safety, and wider professional engineering responsibilities

Transferable skills

1. Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions
2. Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
3. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
4. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
5. Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
6. Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication