Role of Instrumentation and Geotechnical Monitoring in Underground Excavations

Difficulties in Tunneling can arise due to several factors such as occurrence of shear zones, squeezing ground conditions, flowing ground conditions or weak rocks. It is an accepted practice in the profession to go for New Austrian Tunneling Method to tackle such conditions. Instrumentation forms an integral part of the construction activity hence its importance. Measurements are carried out in terms of closure, rock loosening, rock loads ground settlement, horizontal movement, changes in pore water pressure etc. The support system is modified to suit the closure and deformations and the design of the system optimized. Effect of several parameters is studied and the design model verified to calibrate the suggested model.