SSPD Division, Engineers India Ltd.
Online published on 12 January, 2016.
Long-term stability of geotechnical structures is critical to any engineering design. Design of underground structures is initially planned using empirical approaches based on the rock mass classification system. This design is mainly based on limited data obtained from boreholes and surface geological mapping. However, this design needs to be continuously updated based on the information gathered as the excavation work progresses. Over the last few years, geotechnical monitoring has emerged as a major engineering tool for engineers to review and update their existing design configuration based on the actual behavior of excavated rock mass. This paper discusses various aspects of geotechnical monitoring scheme developed and executed for underground rock caverns along with emphasis on use of instrumentation, management of monitoring data and back analysis and validation of initial design parameters.
