Tunnel Geotechnical Investigation

The Tunnel Geotechnical Investigation online PDH course is a part of the Geotechnical Engineering category of courses. This course provides guidelines on the geotechnical investigative techniques and parameters required for planning, design and construction of road tunnels. In addition to subsurface investigations, this course also addresses in brief information study; survey; site reconnaissance, geologic mapping, instrumentation, and other investigations made during and after construction.

To successfully plan, design and construct a road tunnel project requires various types of investigative techniques to obtain a broad spectrum of pertinent topographic, geologic, subsurface, geo-hydrological, and structure information and data. Although most of the techniques and procedures are similar to those applied for roadway and bridge projects, the specific scope, objectives and focuses of the investigations are considerably different for tunnel and underground projects, and can vary significantly with subsurface conditions and tunneling methods.

The online PDH course is based on Chapter 3 “Geotechnical Investigation” 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:

• Explain information study required, collection and review of information such as topographical data
• Discuss site survey and reconnaissance required
• Perform geological mapping
• Discuss subsurface investigation including data gathering, soil and rock classification, laboratory testing and groundwater investigation
• Explain seismicity and environmental issues