Rock Tunneling

The Rock Tunneling online PDH course is a part of the Geotechnical Engineering category of courses. This course provides guidelines  on mined/bored tunneling issues in rock. It presents various excavation methods and temporary support elements and focus on the selection of temporary support of excavation and input for permanent lining design. Appendix is included that presents common types of rock and soft ground tunnel boring machines (TBM).

The course addresses analysis, design and construction issues for rock tunneling including rock failure mechanism, rock mass classification, excavation methods, excavation supports, and design considerations for permanent lining, groundwater control, and other ground control measures.

Understanding the failure mechanism of a rock mass surrounding an underground opening is essential in the design of support systems for the openings. The failure mechanism depends on the in situ stress level and characteristics of the given rock mass. At shallow depths, where the rock mass is blocky and jointed, the stability problems are generally associated with gravity falls of wedges from the roof and sidewalls since the rock confinement is generally low. As the depth below the ground surface increases, the rock stress increases and may reach a level at which the failure of the rock mass is induced. This rock mass failure can include spalling, slabbing, and major rock burst.

The online PDH course is based on Chapter 6 “Rock Tunneling ” of the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration publication tilted, “Technical Manual for Design and Construction of Road Tunnels – Civil Elements” (FHWA-NHI-10-034). This course is intended to be used by geotechnical, civil and structural engineers and others interested in learning about tunnel planning, design and construction.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Identify rock failure mechanisms
• Discuss rock classification
• Explain different tunneling methods in rocks
• Discuss various rock reinforcements methods and excavation supports
• Explain design and evaluation methods for tunnel supports
• Design ground water control methods in tunneling operations
• Discuss typical issues with tunnel permanent lining