Tunnel Support
Tunnel support is a critical part of any underground excavation. It helps to prevent collapse of the tunnel and protect workers engaged in the tunneling process. The complexity of the tunnel support system depends on various factors, including the size and shape of the tunnel, the type of soil it is being constructed in, the depth of the tunnel, and the intended use of the tunnel.
The most common type of tunnel support is rock bolts. Rock bolts are metal rods that are drilled into the surrounding rock to provide additional support to the walls. They act as anchors that hold the surrounding rock in place and prevent it from sliding and causing a collapse. Rock bolts come in various sizes and lengths and are usually placed at regular intervals along the length of the tunnel.
Another form of tunnel support is shotcrete. Shotcrete is a special type of mortar that is sprayed onto the walls of the tunnel at an angle in order to stabilize and reinforce them. This provides additional support beyond that of the rock bolts and helps to ensure that the walls are able to bear the weight of the soil and other materials above them.
In some cases, steel support can also be used to reinforce tunnels. Steel support is commonly used in mining tunnels, as well as in tunnels being excavated in unstable soil conditions. Steel can provide additional support to help keep the tunnel walls from collapsing due to the pressure of the soil or the rock above. Steel support is typically bolted onto the existing walls at regular intervals and can be used to support a variety of materials, including steel mesh and pre-fabricated sections of concrete.
Finally, tunnel support can also come in the form of grouting. Grout is a special type of concrete that is forced into cracks and voids in the rock of a tunnel in order to fill in and reinforce the area around it. This helps to distribute the pressure from the surrounding material more evenly and prevent collapse from occurring.
Regardless of the type of tunnel support being used, it is important that it is inspected regularly and that any issues are addressed as soon as possible. Inspecting the support system regularly will help detect problems before they cause serious damage or a collapse. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the tunnel support system is secured properly. Loose supports can cause significant damage and cause a tunnel to collapse.
Tunnel support is an indispensable part of any underground excavation and its importance cannot be overstated. Without the proper tunnel support structure in place, there is a far greater risk of collapse and injury. For this reason, it is important that tunnel support systems are inspected regularly and that any issues found are resolved quickly in order to ensure the safety of all those involved in the excavation process.
