Design

Tunnel design is more than a determination of the structural adequacy of component parts - it must meet practical construction requirements to secure economy and safety in a range of ground conditions.


For this purpose multiple combined disciplines are required in the designe of a tunnel or underground facility : geology, geotechnique, environmental sciences, soil and rock mechanics, structure calculations, electric engineering, aeraulics or hydraulics.


Another specifity of underground facilities is even though relations may be found between them, they can not be classified into prototypes or series. The construction of each facility is a remarkable adventure as it must be driven in a particular site featuring a rock mass in no way similar to any another.