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Advantage And Disadvantage Of Tunneling Method

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It is a type of underwater tunnel. It consists of segments which are constructed somewhere else and are then floated at the tunnel site to be linked together. These tunnels are normally used together with other tunnel construction methods like bored tunnel, etc. This method is commonly used for road and rail crossings of river, sea channels/ harbors, etc. Refer Exhibit 7 for how it works
This method has many advantages:
1. Cost effective
2. Speedy construction
3. Resistant to earthquakes
4. Safety during construction
Some of the disadvantages are:
1. It would have direct contact with water hence it is important to have a careful waterproofing design.
2. Since the tunnel is constructed in segments, utmost care needs to be taken during the design of …show more content…

Limits the disturbance to the surrounding wall leading to production of smooth tunnel wall making then suitable for use in highly urban areas.
2. Cost of lining the tunnel is reduced.
Its disadvantages are:
1. Construction of TBMs is really expensive.
2. It is difficult to transport TBMs
New Austrian Tunneling Method

New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) or also called Sequential Excavation Method (SEM) has revolutionized the tunneling industry. It is the most popular method of tunnel design and construction. This method draws its advantage from the capability of using the geological strength of the surrounding rock mass in stabilizing the tunnel. Refer Exhibit 9 for elements of NATM
The main principle of NATM is to monitor the performance of underground construction during construction. It is also called as “design as you go” and “design as you monitor” approach since on the basis of observed ground conditions, the desired action can be taken.
There are seven elements in NATM:
1. Exploitation of strength of native rock mass
2. Shotcrete protection
3. Measurement and monitoring
4. Flexible support
5. Closing of the invert
6. Contractual arrangements
7. Rock mass classification.
Its advantages

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