Introduction to Tunnel Construction (Applied Geotechnics)

This book seeks to provide an introduction to tunnel construction for
people who have little experience of the subject. Tunnelling is an exciting
subject and is unlike any other form of construction, as the ground
surrounding the tunnel is an integral part of the final structure and plays
a pivotal role in its stability. The ‘art’ of tunnelling cannot be learnt purely
from books and a lot of essential decisions are based on engineering
judgement, experience and even emotion. There is often no single answer
to any question: often the response has to be ‘it depends’.
So how can this book help the reader to understand tunnelling? The aim
of the book is to provide the reader with background information so that
he or she can either make an informed decision and/or consult more
specialist references on a specific topic. It will hopefully give the reader the
tools needed to critically assess tunnel construction techniques and to realize
that not all can be learnt from textbooks. In addition, the book hopes to
demonstrate the breadth of the subject and that to become a tunnelling
expert, many years of experience are required.