TUNNELLING IN SOFT GROUND IN URBAN AREAS

Most tunnels in soft soils in urban areas are constructed by shield tunnelling method for environmental reasons. Ground surface settlements are caused by shield tunnelling so that auxiliary measures are often required. Simple methods to predict ground surface settlement are given. The use of the slurry or the earth pressure balance shield machine and the application of new methods of grouting with computer aided operation control systems decreases the ground surface settlement to 3 mm. The construction cost of tunnels is almost identical whichever type of shield machine is employed according to a statistical investigation.