Tunnel exploration

Research scope

In tunnel exploration, uncertain ground conditions, which affect the number and location of borings and the eventual cost and time of tunnel construction, make planning difficult. The problem can be alleviated through virtual exploration, tailored to the particular ground conditions and construction methods. Newest developments in this research area also account for the increase in uncertainty of the information obtained from exploration as the distance increases from the exploration location, e.g., a boring.

Related publications

Costa, A.L., Sousa, R.L., and Einstein, H.H. (2018). Probabilistic 3D alignment optimization of underground transport infrastructure integrating GIS-based subsurface characterization. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 72, 233–241. doi:10.1016/j.tust.2017.11.027

Sousa, R.L., Karam, K., Costa, A.L., and Einstein, H.H. (2016). Exploration and decision-making in geotechnical engineering – a case study. 10th anniversary special issue of Georisk, 11 (1), 129-145. doi:10.1080/17499518.2016.1250916

Karam, K.S., Karam, J.S., and Einstein, H.H. (2007). Decision analysis applied to tunnel exploration planning. II: Consideration of uncertainty. Construction Engineering and Management, 133 (5), 354-363. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2007)133:5(354)

Karam, K.S., Karam, J.S., and Einstein, H.H. (2007). Decision analysis applied to tunnel exploration planning. I: Principles and case study. Construction Engineering and Management, 133 (5), 344-353. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2007)133:5(344)

Ashley, D.B., Veneziano, D., Einstein, H.H., and Chan, M.H.(1981). Geological prediction and updating in tunneling. In: Proceedings of the The 22nd U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics (USRMS), 29 June-2 July, Cambridge, Massachusetts. ARMA-81-0361

Einstein, H.H., Labreche, D.A., Markow, M.J., and Baecher, G.B. (1978). Decision analysis applied to rock tunnel exploration. Engineering Geology, 12, 143-161. doi:10.1016/0013-7952(78)90008-X

Einstein, H.H. (1978). Observational tunnel design-construction methods in the U.S. In: Proceedings of Shotcrete for Underground Support III, Engineering Support Conference, At. Anton am Arlberg, Austria, April 16-21, 1978.

Einstein, H.H., Markow, M.J., and Chew, K. (1977). Assessing the value of exploration for underground gas storage caverns. In: Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on Storage in Excavated Rock Caverns (Rockstore 77), Stockholm, Sweden, 5–8 September 1977. Also in: International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts, 16 (4), 83. doi:10.1016/0148-9062(79)91268-3

Einstein, H.H. (1977). Observational methods in tunnel design and construction. In: Proceedings of the 3rd Annual Conference on D.O.T. Research and Development in Tunneling Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, October 6-7, 1977.

Labreche, D.A., Markow, M.J., and Einstein, H.H. (1976). Decision analysis applied to rock tunnel exploration. In: Proceedings of the 19th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics (USRMS), 1-3 May, Reno, Nevada. ARMA-76-0395

Lindner, E., Einstein, H.H., and Vanmarcke, E.H. (1975). Exploration: its evaluation in hard rock tunnels. In: Proceedings of the 16th U.S Symposium on Rock Mechanics (USRMS), 22-24 September, Minneapolis, Minnesota. ARMA-75-205