TUNNELS

is a major concern. Protective measures such as dewatering,

SOFT GROUND ground improvement, compensation grouting, and positive
pre-support can be used to ensure successful tunnelling in
TUNNELLING soft ground is achieved.

WSP works in all forms of soft ground tunnelling, from Above all, a comprehensive real-time instrumentation and
cut and cover, tunnel boring machines, tunnel jacking, monitoring system is essential. In Seattle, WSP was heavily
and innovative strategies like ground freezing. involved with the SR-99 Alaskan Way Tunnel project, which
was constructed in challenging ground conditions, under
A tunnel built in soft ground – such as clay, silt, sand, gravel, more than 150 buildings. The tunnel has a diameter of 17.5
or mud – requires specialized techniques compared to hard m, and is the second largest tunnel of its kind in the world.
rock, to compensate for the shifting nature of the soil. At
WSP, we have extensive experience with soft ground tunnels CUT AND COVER TUNNELLING
on every continent and we pride ourselves on developing
Cut and cover tunnelling is a common, well-proven
innovative strategies to deal with even the most complicated
technique for constructing shallow tunnels. This technique
soil situation while preserving stability. There are a wide
consists of an in-situ cast concrete structure in an excavated
variety of techniques for soft ground tunnelling, and the best
trench, which is covered afterwards. This method
fit is ultimately determined by ground type, timeline, budget,
accommodates changes in tunnel width and non-uniform
and surrounding structures.
shapes and is often adopted in the construction of
PUTTING OUR EXPERIENCE underground transit stations. To minimize surface
disruption, cut and cover tunnelling can be accomplished
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using the traditional bottom up method or as a top-down
In order to select the most appropriate method for a construction.
particular tunnel, several factors need to be taken into
consideration, including but not limited to ground
conditions, length, depth, diameter, alignment geometry,
and budget. Another important consideration is the risk and
sensitivity of nearby infrastructure and buildings to ground
movement.
At WSP we know that an important aspect of soft ground
tunnelling is the protection of existing structures and
utilities, as many soft ground tunnels are located in sensitive
urban environments where settlement caused by tunnelling

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TUNNEL BORING MACHINES
For deeper, longer tunnels in urban areas, or for a tunnel
crossing major bodies of water, a pressurized-face Tunnel
Boring Machine (TBM) is the best fit, because it is capable of
handling the full range of expected ground conditions. A
single pass, precast concrete segmental lining forms the
tunnel behind the TBM. The selection and design of the
precast segmental liner is critical for successful application.
The segments are equipped with waterproofing gaskets and
act as the structural support system and water barrier.
Compared to the cut and cover approach, TBMs significantly
reduce the disturbance of traffic and the associated
environmental impacts in urban areas. WSP has been a
pioneer in the advancement of single pass liners, including
its first application in the USA with the use of fibre
reinforcement and double gaskets. We also introduced the
use of special seismic joints in TBM driven segmental liner
tunnel, outside of Japan.
There are two major TBMs used in soft ground tunnelling:
Earth Pressure Balanced (EPB) and Slurry Type Shield
Machines. An EPB TBM will perform better where the ground
is silty and has a high percentage of fines. A slurry TBM is
ideal in loose water-bearing granular materials. However,
with the application of appropriate ground conditioning
agents, the range of ground conditions for each machine can
be extended. TBM technology has advanced significantly in
the last 15 years, allowing for the construction of larger,
deeper, and longer tunnels in more difficult ground
conditions.
NEW AUSTRIAN TUNNELLING METHOD
TUNNELS
For shorter tunnel sections, non-circular tunnels, or tunnels
with variable geometry, the New Austrian Tunnelling
Method (NATM) – also known as the Sequential Excavation
Method - provides another cost effective, flexible, and safe
tunnelling option. The tunnel is sequentially excavated and
support is provided by shotcrete, in combination with fibre
or welded-wire fabric reinforcement, steel lattice girder
arches. Ground improvement methods such as jet grouting,
dewatering, ground freezing, and grouted pipe spilling are
also available to stabilize the face.
TUNNEL JACKING
Tunnel jacking is a method for constructing monolithic,
rectangular concrete box sections under surface areas with
critical uses such as railways, major roadways, and airport
runways. Due to its expense, it is generally only used when
there is no other option, and so examples are rare. This
method is generally applied in cases where the underground
crossing is relatively short, is located in soft ground, and
with shallow cover. Special construction techniques are
required to minimize friction, reduce settlement, and
maintain the tunnel alignment.
In Boston, WSP applied this approach during the
construction of a section of the Central Artery/Tunnel, under
a complex network of tracks leading into the South Station
Railway Terminal. Three concrete tunnel box sections were
jacked successfully under the track network, with typical
cross sections of 11.6 x 24 m and lengths of 51 to 115 m.
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