Tunnel engineering related geological complexities
Most tunnel designers in India are from overseas and conversant to the NATM and latest tunnelling technologies, and they specify the use of those technologies in tunnelling contracts, but the problem is that contractors use very old equipment, which breakdown frequently causing unnecessary vibration and slowing down the implementation of the projects," opines, Dr. B. C. Mandal, Executive Director (Technical), BPC Consultant India. He added, "We have no shortfall of machineries but instead we need to specify that contractors should buy new machinery for tunnelling projects. That would boost the production rate. Clients for tunnelling construction must include more stringent clauses in the contracts."
Use of modern equipment which are superior to conventional drilling must be adopted, wherever applicable, in the contract. Such as using a road header machine and impact hammers in hard rock, especially in fractured geological formations.
Selection of appropriate method for tunnelling is mostly based on the field experience rather than the theoretical knowledge, because of variable ground condition. While the conventional drill and blasts techniques were more prevalent in the past, mechanized methods such as TBMs and NATMs are being used more and more and we should think beyond that as geological complexities are the biggest challenge in tunnelling, more so in the Himalayan region.
Our wholistic services include Consultancy for Detailed Design and Construction Supervision including instrumentation for tunnel and comprehensive stability plan, drainage plan for tunnel portal, deep cutting and high embankment etc. Developing detailed landslide hazard zonation mapping for long-term overall stability and sustainability of the railway assets- track, formation, bridges and tunnels including project monitoring and documentation.
Our in-house capacity enables duly carrying out necessary aerial mapping, LiDAR imagery, geophysical exploration, GPR, geotechnical investigation, hydrological study & developing cost-effective geotechnical and drainage solutions. Our tunnel engineers work with close association with our Geoscience wing to identify critical locations, design by modeling, simulation studies, 3d finite element analysis and recommending remedial measures with a spectrum of alternative schemes with cost effective, easily executable and sound engineering measures, protection work, erosion control measures.
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Presently BPC India has been engaged in multiple tunnel projects in Himalayan region such as between
Besides, BPCIPL has had experience in working for tunnel projects in other parts of the country and for many prestigious projects namely:
At present Civil engineers are at the forefront of tunnelling projects, but to ensure that proper methods and machinery are engaged, we also need proper collaboration of experienced engineering geologists along with Civil Engineers to lead tunnelling projects.