Numerical Simulation in Tunnelling

The planned construction of the traffic routes through the Central and Eastern Alps represents a challenge for science and technology that is comparable with the construction of the great alpine rail tunnels in the past century. In addition to the North-South connection tunnels, there are several major tunnelling projects in preparation in Europe which are part of the extension of railway and subway systems. However, the safety and economy of modern tunnelling methods, which are still primarily based on empirical assumptions, can only be assured if it is possible to establish a scientific basis for them. The scientific aim of this Joint Research Programme (FSP) is to establish a sound theoretical basis for methods of tunnelling. Particular emphasis will be placed on making substantial improvements to and further developments in computer-aided simulation methods which are used in conjunction with in situ measurements. The purpose of this work is to achieve a good correlation between numerical prognosis and the actual in situ behavior. The technical aim of the FSP is to develop and apply numerical simulation tools to the estimation of the required tunnel support and construction measures both at the planning stage and during construction. This will result in an improvement of the safety and economy of tunnels. not assigned KP: Numerische Simulation im Tunnelbau