Professional Documents
Culture Documents
N F Chan
Chief Geotechnical Engineer/Mainland East
Geotechnical Engineering Office
Civil Engineering and Development Department
April 2015
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MTR Island Line, Shing On Street, Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong,
23 July 1983
4.
MTR Island Line, 140-168 Shau Kei Wan Road, Hong Kong, 16
Dec. 1983
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6.
Background
Segmental lined tunnel (Green Park to Victoria) driven through
London Clay with low soil cover
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Inflow of sand and gravel, burying most of the shield
Consequence
Little physical damage to the shield
Programme delayed
Emergency and Remedial Measures
A shaft was sunk from the surface to enable the material to be
staunched and treated.
The loose material was dug out by hand
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Background
Tunnel (300m long and 3.7m internal diameter) driven through
London Clay under a disused railway marshalling yard
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Inflow of sand and gravel
Consequence
No significant damage
Programme delayed for about 6 months
Emergency and Remedial Measures
Lengthy grouting operation for stabilizing the ground in the
vicinity
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Background
Tunnel 40m long with diameter of 1.35m driven mostly by hand
Consequence
No loss of life or injury
Emergency and Remedial Measures
The tunnel drive was continued in a timbered box heading and
two plates were fabricated for closed off the bottom of the well.
Grouting was also applied
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Karlsrud (2010)
Background
The road tunnel was 726m long and 8m wide
Consequence
Programme delayed for more than 3 years
Double the cost of the tunnel compared to the estimated cost
Emergency and Remedial Measures
Installation of corrugated steel vault, steel tubes and 500mm thick
concrete lining was not successful
The cave-in ceased after filling of about 3,000m3 concrete into the
shaft to form a plug from the tunnel up to 10m above the crown
and another 4,000m3 of sand and stone from the top of the shaft
above the concrete plug
Lessons Learnt
The importance of the adequate ground investigation to identify if
weak ground is present and to provide measures to support the
weak ground before tunnel excavation
Source of Information
Clay, R.B. & Takacs, A.P. (1997). Anticipating the unexpected
Flood, fire overbreak, inrush, collapse. Proceedings of the
International Conference on Tunnelling Under Difficult Ground
and Rock Mass Conditions, Basel, Switzerland, pp 223-242.
Consequence
First failure Entire 1.6km tunnel section flooded within 24
hours
Second failure The fire burnt for about 6 months
Source of Information
McNaughton, I.K.A. (1983). Report on the collapse of Penmanshiel
Tunnel that occurred on 17th March 1979 in the Scottish Region,
British Railways, Department of Transport, 7 p. <Available on the
internet>.
Background
The double rail track Penmanshiel tunnel of 7.72m span and
4.7m height was driven in 1845/1846
In 1979 the roof of the tunnel collapsed during tunnel
enlargement works when the tunnel invert was being
reconstructed to increase the headroom
Nature and Type of Failure
Ground failure during reconstruction
Fall of rock over a length of some 20m
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Sedimentary rock of steeply inclined and complex stratification
with an average cover of 25 to 30m
Dry conditions
Construction Methods and Support
Rock bench system with an arch lined with 4 or 5 rings of bricks
Background
New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) construction of twin 6m
diameter tunnels
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Huge flow of soft clay into the tunnel
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Flinty marl with 3m of cover above the tunnels, overlain by 12.5m
of soft clay
Construction Methods and Support
New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)
Consequence
10m wide, 14m deep sinkhole
No injury
Emergency and Remedial Measures
Void was backfilled with crushed rock and cement and pressure
grouted
Lessons Learnt
The danger of tunnel excavation through thin marl cover
Karlsrud (2010)
Background
The road tunnel was 1.78km long and 10m wide
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
A minor cave-in from the face and partly from the crown
occurred during the process of moving the steel formwork for
cast concrete lining forward to the face
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Various rock types (basalt, volcanic dykes, soft siltstone and
quartz conglomerate)
Construction Methods and Support
Constructed by the drill-and-blast method and supported by cast
concrete lining
Background
Railway tunnel 2.21km long and 9m in diameter
Consequence
Ingress of water at more than 10 L/s accompanied by running
sand to the tunnel covering the machine
Programme delayed for about 6 months
Background
The TBM broke out 8m from the shaft with anticipated 3 m of
rock cover
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Fine soil flowed into the tunnel forming a hole in the road as the
TBM went through the rock into the soft ground
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Various ground conditions (very fine and unstable mud & rock)
Construction Methods and Support
Tunnel constructed by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)
Possible Cause of Failure
The tunnel intersected a hidden area of soft clay
Consequence
A hole formed in the road some 5m above
Broken rock jammed the shield
Emergency and Remedial Measures
A shaft was sunk down to release the TBM
Lessons Learnt
Probe holes should be drilled to confirm the rockhead profile
Source of Information
Shin, J.H., Lee, I.K., Lee, Y.H. & Shin, H.S. (2006). Lessons
from serial tunnel collapses during construction of the Seoul
subway Line 5. Tunnel and Underground Space Technology,
Issue no. 21, pp 296-297.
Keywords (for searching)
Seoul, Korea, cave-in
Figures
Background
Construction of Seoul Metro tunnel near Majang
Tunnel at 15-30m below ground
Consequence
Roads collapse and gas mains fractured
Emergency and Remedial Measures
Backfilling the crater with soil followed
by cement grouting and chemical
grouting
Lessons Learnt
Insufficient ground investigation
Unexpected groundwater inflow
No tunnel face stability analysis
No consideration of blasting effects
closed to weathered zone with shallow
cover
1. backfilling
Fill(SM)
Silty sand
1.4m
1000m3
-3.2m
-3.5m
Cheonggye-choeon
Sink hole
Alluvium
18.0m
Decomposed
granite soil
-12.8m
-13.3m
4. grouting(JSP)
2. sand mat
Weathered
rock
-18.0m
-24.0m
Soft rock
Hard rock
-26.5m
-29.5m
3. face shotcrete
Background
Construction of Seoul Metro tunnel near Tangsan
Tunnel at 15-30m below ground
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
27 November 1991
10:40am : blasting
4:00pm : rock falls at the tunnel face
10:00pm : soil and groundwater inflow into the tunnel
28 November 1991
3:20am : substantial daylight collapse up to ground surface
forming a 25m diameter crater
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Various weathered granite
Groundwater table at typical 3-10m below the ground surface
Construction Methods and Support
by drill and blast method
.0m
.0m
20
25
backfilling
Fill sand
D=20.0m
-1.2m
Silt
: Cement mortar
: Cement milk
: Chemical grout
-4.8m
-6.0m
Sand
-22.2m
Weathered
rock
Soft rock
-25.1m
-28.5m
-29.2m
Hard rock
5.0m
-37.5m
10.0m
5.0m
15.0m
Lessons Learnt
Insufficient ground investigation
Unexpected groundwater inflow
No tunnel face stability analysis
No consideration of blasting effects closed to weathered zone
with shallow cover
Background
Construction of Seoul Metro tunnel near Youido
Tunnel at 15-30m below ground
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Significant inflow of groundwater
About 4.5 tonnes of soil flowed into tunnel
38m wide x 6m deep crater at the ground surface
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Various weathered granite
Groundwater table at -11.8m below the ground surface
Construction Methods and Support
Excavated by road header
38.0m
Sewer Box
Consequence
4-lane road collapsed
Utilities damaged
MBC
1. back filling
Fill
Alluvium(SC)
Alluvium(SP)
Sewer box
-5.6m
-7.8m
-9.9m
-11.8m
Alluvium(ML)
-13.2m
Decomposed
rock
3. urethan grouting
3m
-21.7m
Soft rock
Weathered rock
-25.9m
-26.4m
-23.5m
Hard Rock
-33.0m
Lessons Learnt
Insufficient ground investigation
Unexpected groundwater inflow
No tunnel face stability analysis
Background
Construction of Seoul Metro tunnel near Yongdungpo
Tunnel at 15-30m below ground
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Tunnel collapsed after removing spoil
Tunnel collapsed starting from the left side of the crown
900m3 of loose material flowed into the tunnel and water inflow
of up to 300 litres/min recorded
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Various weathered granite
900m3
Fill
Alluvium(ML)
1. back filling
-1.1m
-4.9m
Sewer box
2. cement mortar
-7.1m
Alluvium(SP)
-16.5m
3. cement mortar
Weathered rock
-20.14m
-21.5m
4. chemical grouting
Soft rock
-28.34m
Lessons Learnt
Insufficient ground investigation
Unexpected groundwater inflow
No tunnel face stability analysis
No consideration of blasting effects closed to weathered zone
with shallow cover
Background
Construction of Seoul Metro tunnel near Anyangcheon
Tunnel at 15-30m below ground
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Daylight collapse when weathered granite found at the tunnel
face
Groundwater flowed into the tunnel
60m wide oval shaped area subsided
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Various weathered granite
Construction Methods and Support
excavated by road header
59.3m
jet grouting
Sewer Box
Consequence
Six heavy plants buried
Emergency and Remedial
Measures
Backfilling the crater with soil
followed by cement grouting
and chemical grouting
cement milk
grouting
59.3m
8.3m
Anyang cheon
1. backfilling
Sewer box
Alluvium
Decomposed
granite soil
-21.0m
3. jet grouting
-24.0m
-24.0m
Weathered rock
-29.0m
-32.0m
Soft rock
5.0m
Lessons Learnt
Insufficient ground investigation
Unexpected groundwater inflow
No tunnel face stability analysis
Background
7m diameter tunnel supported by sprayed concrete lining
The tunnel was assumed to be beneath a clay layer overlying
water-bearing gravel and groundwater would not be drawn down
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Quick inflow of water and ground materials
Large subsidence crater quickly filled with groundwater
20m wide, 18.5m deep crater
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Flinty marl overlain by some 15.5m of groundwater bearing gravel
Groundwater at about 4m below ground level
Construction Methods and Support
New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)
Catalogue of disaster.
Ground Engineering,
New Civil
ICE (1999). Heathrow Express court cases kicks off. New Civil Engineer,
Institution of Civil Engineers, January Issue, p 6.
ICE (1998b)
Background
NATM in London Clay
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
10m diameter crater formed
Ground and Groundwater
Conditions
London Clay
Construction Methods and
Support
New
Austrian
Tunnelling
Method (NATM)
ICE (1998b)
Background
Re-mining/remedial works to realign an existing TBM tunnel
(6.7m diameter, 25m deep), which had been bored off line
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
25m deep sinkhole caused by collapse of south bore
Serious cracking observed in temporary lining of north bore
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7.
Background
Four three-lane, twin-tube tunnels (T1-T4) with internal crosssection of 103 m2 and 30 m apart between centrelines
constructed by the drill & blast method
T1 - 376m long; T2 - 562m; T3 2,760m and T4 1,230m
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Failures at T4 in 1993
- About 131 recorded overbreak incidents with total volume of
1,461m3, maximum deformation of 120mm measured in the
tunnel
- 200m3 of loose material collapsed after a blast, resulting in
water inflow of up to 450 litres/min
Lessons Learnt
Initial support should be installed in time
ICE (2004)
ICE (1998a)
Background
Tunnel constructed for Docklands Light Rail (diameter 5.2m)
by slurry TBM
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
22m wide and 7m deep crater formed in the grounds of George
Green School
ICE (1998a)
Source of Information
IMIA. <http://www.imia.com>.
IMS. <http://www.imstunnel.com/index2.htm>.
IMS
IMIA
Background
Construction of the Olympic Metro under a turnkey contract
(estimated cost about 2 billion ECUs)
Construction started in November 1991 and operation in 1998
TBM used for construction of 11.7km long, 9.5m diameter
tunnels located at a depth of 15-20m (with penetration rate
ranging from 1.6m to 18m per day based on 18-hour-per-day
shift, depending on the ground conditions)
Cut and cover, supported by soldier piles, struts and
prestressed anchor tiebacks for 6.3km long tunnels and
stations
NATM for other short auxiliary tunnels and oval-shaped
stations where existence of buried antiquities precluded open
excavation
CAVE IN
DEBRIS
1200-1500m3
Ch.11080
Karlsrud (2010)
Background
Road tunnel at about 1,100m depth, 24.5 km long and 9m wide
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
A cave-in involving 17m length of tunnel and extending up to about
11-12m above the crown. The volume of the failed rock mass was
estimated to be 1,200-1,500m3
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Precambrian gneisses with layers of amphibolities and massive
granitic rock. Excavation through a major fault zone (rock mixed
with lot of swelling clay)
Construction Methods and Support
Constructed by drill-and-blast method and supported by steel fibre
reinforced sprayed concrete and rock bolts
Face before
cave in
Debris
Debris hauled out
1200-1500 m3
Concrete
11087
Ch.no
11080
11070
Karlsrud (2010)
Lessons Learnt
The importance of good communication between
and the engineer
Importance of having good understanding of the
conditions and their influence on the stability
Swelling of clay in condition of high stress could
squeezing effect and result in weaking of the rock
tunnel
the driller
geological
provide a
mass in a
Boos et al (2004)
Background
Construction of a 10.5km long underground sewer
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Water and sand ingress
Tunnel subsided by 1.2m causing serious subsidence at
surface
Consequence
Damage to buildings, roads and utility lines
TBM had to be abandoned
Emergency and Remedial Measures
Ground freezing
Reconstruction of tunnel using sprayed concrete
Lessons Learnt
The design of the segment connections should take account of
the fluctuations of groundwater level
Boos et al (2004)
Background
Construction of underground Taegu Metro
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Failure of diaphragm wall
Excavation pit caved in
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Water-bearing ground
Construction Methods and Support
Cut and-cover
Possible Cause of Failure
Rapid fluctuation of groundwater level caused movement of
unidentified gravel and sand strata
Additional loading on diaphragm wall was not considered in design
Consequence
Bus buried and bus driver seriously injured
Three passengers killed
Neighbouring buildings suffered considerable damage
Emergency and Remedial Measures
Excavation pit backfilled
Subsoil grouted and diaphragm wall strengthened
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Project Title
Portsmouth Sewage Transfer
Source of Information
Tunnels & Tunnelling (2000). Portsmouth scheme held up.
Tunnels & Tunnelling International, July 2000. p 9.
Figures
N/A
Background
Wastewater tunnel 4km long and 3.3m diameter constructed
with precast concrete tunnel segments by the TBM method
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Cracks were found in the tunnel segments together with
associated water ingress
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Mixed ground comprising Chalk, Calcareous sands, gravels
and stiff clay
Water head of 21m above the tunnel crown
Construction Methods and Support
EPB TBM
Project Title
Expansion at Washington DCs Dulles airport
Source of Information
Tunnels & Tunnelling (2000). US airport collapse claims miners
life. Tunnels & Tunnelling International, December 2000 issue, p 8.
Stehlik, E & Srb, M.
NATM Tunnelling at Dulles Airport.
Proceedings of the World Tunnel Congress 2007 and 33rd
ITA/AITES Annual General Assembly, Prague, May 2007, pp 16091612.
Background
Pedestrian tunnel of approximate cross-sectional area 100m2 with
shallow ground cover of 4.5m
Excavated in 4 stages using two side drifts followed by bench and
invert, using road-header
NATM design with systematic spiling, steel-fibre reinforced
shotcrete and lattice girder support
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
One of the tunnel headings caved in without the collapse
extending to the surface
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Mixed face comprising clay, silt and competent siltstone
Longitudinal section
Background
Metro tunnel 7.9km long with 14m wide sections of 100m2
constructed by a multiple drift technique coupled with pipe
umbrella roofing and benching at central drift
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction Failure
Soft clay kept falling through the gaps between the pipe
umbrella and liquid mud flowed from the face.
Tunnel collapsed and a 25m wide crater was created
Three 2-storey buildings and a workshop building caved in
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Soft ground with groundwater close to ground level
Construction Methods and Support
Multiple drift mined Tunnel
Pipe umbrella, shotcrete lining and lattice girders as
temporary support
ICE (2003)
Background
Boring at a depth of 21m
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
10m diameter and 20m deep void
formed in the ground behind a row
of houses
Ground and Groundwater
Conditions
Thanet Sands
Construction Methods and
Support
Tunnelling using TBM (diameter
8.2m)
ICE (2003)
Consequence
Three uncharted wells collapsed
Emergency and Remedial Measures
The voids were backfilled with grout
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Figures
Location map and section
Figures
Hall plan
Background
Construction of the extension of Mtor Metro Tunnel including
the Olympics station and a maintenance hall
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
About 3,000m3 of sedimentary deposits collapsed underneath a
school, occupying an area of 400m2 on plan
Ground and Groundwater
Conditions
Coarse limestone and plastic
clay (clays of Sparnacian)
Construction Methods and
Support
Supported by bolts and
shotcrete
Dubois & Rat (2003)
Consequence
No casualties
The school had to be closed for a year affecting 900 students
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
First failure
Third failure
Karlsrud (2010)
Background
The road tunnel was 7.3 km long and 11.5 m wide (3 lanes)
Three major failures and many minor failures occurred
Nature and Type of Failure
In service failure
First failure occurred on 28 December 2003: about 20m3 of
crushed and weathered rock involving with clay, which came
down from the crown went through the frost insulated water
shielding vault and down to the carriageway
Second failure involved about 3m3 of heavily weathered rock,
which came down from the springline and fell down to the invert
Third failure involved 2-3m3 of completely weathered rock,
which fell down from the crown and rested on top of the water
shielding vault
Consequence
Closure of the tunnel for more than 3 months for extensive repairs
and upgrading of the tunnel support
Emergency and Remedial Measures
Complete removal of the vault before installing additional rock
support including fiber reinforced shotcrete, rock bolts and
reinforced ribs of sprayed concrete
Lessons Learnt
The importance of proper geological mapping and rock mass
classification
The need to identify swelling minerals and the potential of
deterioration of strength in weathered rock
The importance of adequate support design for long-term stability
in weathered rock
Project Title
Shanghai Metro Project
Source of Information
Boos, R., Braun, M., Hangen, P., Hoch, C., Popp, R., Reiner,
H., Schmid, G., & Wannick, H. (2004). Underground
Transportation Systems, Chances and Risks from the Reinsurers Point of View. Munich Re Group, Germany, pp 5862. <http://www.munichre.com/> (31 Jan. 2007).
Boos et al (2004)
Background
Expansion of the Shanghai Metro () Line 4 crossing
beneath the Huangpu River ()
Two parallel tunnel tubes constructed by earth pressure balance
TBM
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Failure occurred during construction of a cross passage
Massive ingress of water and material at the face at a depth of 35m
Several metres ground subsidence
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Water-bearing ground
Construction Methods and Support
EPB TBM
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Takahashi (2010)
Background
East work section of Nikkure-yama Tunnel
Construction Methods
and Support
Shortcrete and ribs
Takahashi (2010)
by
the
Consequence
Programme delayed for about 2
years
Takahashi (2010)
Lessons Learnt
The importance of adequate ground investigation before
tunnelling
The importance of investigations and observations during
construction for adopting appropriate support measures
(2
April
Soufun (2004). : 3 .
<http://news.gz.soufun.com/2004-04-04/259585.htm> (4 April 2004).
Longhoo (2004).
3.
<http://www.longhoo.net/big5/longhoo/news/civil/node107/userobject1ai172577.html>
(2 April 2004).
ChinaDaily (2004)
Background
Construction of a 58.5km long underground metro in which
45.6km is a single-tube shield TBM
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Failure of a diaphragm wall
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Unpublished
Construction Methods and Support
Single-tube shield TBM
Consequence
A three-storey building collapsed and sunk into the ground
Collapse of nearby underground water mains
Emergency and Remedial Measures
Backfilled with crushed rock and cement
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Background
An open cut tunnel excavated for Singapore MRTs new Circle
Line
Design and build
Excavated trench of 15m wide and 33m deep supported by 0.81.0m thick diaphragm wall which is 35-45m deep without rock
socket
Steel struts: 4-5m horizontal and 3m vertical spacing
Bottom-up construction
Jet grouted base slabs
Layer 1-1.5m thick at 28.5m below ground
Layer 2-3m thick at 33.5m below ground (Layer 2 not yet constructed
when collapse occurred)
Consequence
Part of Nicoll Highway, Singapores major east-west harbour-front
road, destroyed
Four workers killed
Several others injured
15,000 people and 700 businesses affected
Three offices and retail towers at risk from further ground
movement
Damage of a gas service line, resulting in an explosion and fire
A storm drain damaged
Lessons Learnt
This is a need for robust design, risk management, design review
and independent checking, purposeful back analysis, an effective
instrumentation, monitoring and interpretation regime, an effective
system of management of uncertainties and quality during
construction, corporate competencies and safety management
The safety of temporary works is as important as that of
permanent works and should be designed according to
established codes and checked by competent persons
Background
Chemical Churning Piles (CCP) of
350mm diameter installed as guide walls
for the diaphragm wall construction
Soil improvement works by the use of
Super Jet Grouting (SJG) method at the
reception area for break-out operations
The diaphragm wall panels were first
cored through by chain saw according to
the face-shape of the shield tunnel
machine and manual power tool was
used to disassemble the reinforced
concrete residual inside the coring holes
EPB Tunnel Boring Machine 500mm
away from the wall face awaiting for
break-out and invert leakage started
CCP
Possible
Collapse Zone
Leakage spot
Diaphragm Wall
Soil Improvement Zone
Path of Leakage
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Cave in area
F:\i\21\miljo\div\2000\ah-1.ppt
F:\i\21\miljo\div\2000\ah-1.ppt
Karlsrud (2010)
F :\i\21\miljo\div\2000\ah-1.ppt
Background
Metro line tunnel 1.3km long and 7m wide connecting with an old
tunnel
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
At the junction where the two tunnels met in an acute angle, tunnel
cave-in after removal of most part of the rock pillar between the
tunnels
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Interlayered shale and nodular limestone with 1-5cm thick clay
seams along many of the bedding planes
The bedding planes were dipping 20-45 and running almost parallel
to the tunnel
Source of Information
Taiwan Info (2004). Nouvel incident sur le chantier du mtro
de Kaohsiung. Taiwan.
<http://taiwaninfo.nat.gov.tw/Societe/1092119498.html> (31 Jan. 2007).
Background
Construction of the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Blue & Orange
Lines in Kaohsiung City
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
First collapse on 29 May 2004 underneath a street
Second collapse in mid June 2004
Third collapse on 13 July 2004 with formation of a large
sinkhole
Fourth collapse on 10 Aug 2004
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Unpublished
Construction Methods and Support
Unpublished
Background
Construction of 12.9km long and 11.7m diameter Hsuehshan
Tunnel in Taiwan ()
Works commenced in 1991 and completed in 2004
Comprised 2 main tunnels (East & Westbound) and a pilot
tunnel
Westbound
Eastbound
Pilot Tunnel
TANEEB (2005)
Background
Tunnel for Barcelona Line Five Metro Extension
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Part of the lining collapsed
30m wide and 32m deep crater formed
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Weathered slate and ancient and weathered metamorphic
ground with a vertical and hidden fault at the location of
collapse
Construction Methods and Support
Tunnelling using NATM
Background
Tunnel (6km long, approximately 10m wide x 7m high) for
Lausanne Metro M2 Project (cost US$472M) in Switzerland
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
50m3 of material displaced into the tunnel at a depth of 12m,
leading to a crater at the surface
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Collapse in area of soft ground (lake deposits)
Construction Methods and Support
Tunnelling using an Eickhoff ET 380-L roadheader
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
ICE (2006)
Background
Twin tunnels (7m high, 8.1 wide and 3.6km long) constructed in
Sydney
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Collapse occurred during breakout for a ventilation tunnel from
the running tunnel
A 10m by 10m, 25m deep crater formed in the ground between
a 3-storey high residential building and a highway exit ramp
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Hawkesbury Sandstone underlies Ashfield Shale
Construction Methods and Support
Tunnelling by New Austrian Tunnelling Method
Lessons Learnt
unpublished
Source of Information
ST (2005). Sing Tao Newspaper. 6 Dec. 2005, Hong Kong.
Sun (2005). Sun Newspaper. 6 Dec. 2005, Hong Kong.
WWP (2005). Wen Wei Po Newspaper. 6 Dec. 2005, Hong
Kong.
OD (2005). . Oriental Daily. 7 Dec. 2005, Hong
Kong.
TKP (2005). Ta Kung Pao Newspaper. 7 Dec. 2005, Hong
Kong.
TT (2005)
Background
Construction of Kaohsiung Rapid Transit (KRT) Orange Line at
the junction of Chungcheng Road and Tashun Road in
Kaohsiung City
Consequence
Chungcheng Road (a major trunk road) closed for a week
The nearby Linkang railway line temporarily suspended
A 100m long section of tunnels and utilities damaged
Cracks found at 20 nearby residential buildings
Emergency and Remedial Measures
The crater was backfilled with about 2,800m3 of soil/rock and
concrete 20 hours after the accident
The damaged sections of the KRT tunnels needed to be reconstructed
Cost of the remedial measures estimated to be up to NT$500M
(US$15M) excluding reconstruction of the damaged sections of
the KRT tunnels
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Karlsrud (2010)
Background
The tunnel works were completed in 1980.
The crude water tunnel was 3.7km long
and 3m wide. The potable water tunnel
was 1.5km long and 3m wide
Nature and Type of Failure
In service failure
The failure was progressive for more than
25 years resulting in blockage of the
crude water tunnel
A major failure occurred in the crude
water tunnel in winter 2005 and the
weathered rock failed
Two major progressive failures occurred
in 2007 and about 200m3 and 30-40m3
rocks fell each time
Karlsrud (2010)
Consequence
About 150, 000 people affected by disruption in water supply
Source of Information
NTSB (2007). Ceiling collapse in the Interstate 90 Connector
Tunnel.
National Transportation Safety Board Highway
Accident Report. <http://app.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2007/HAR0702.pdf >
(2007).
Brady, S. (2013)
Background
The I-90 Connector tunnel, known as the D Street portal, was
opened to traffic in December 2000. It was built to improve
traffic flow in Boston
Nature and Type of Failure
In service failure
Ceiling panel anchor failure
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Unpublished
Construction Methods and Support
Suspended ceiling panels affixed to the tunnel roof by stainless
steel anchors held in place with epoxy adhesive
Figures
Karlsrud (2010)
Background
The tunnel was about 1.77km long and 9.6m wide. The tunnel
was opened for traffic in October 2001
The cave in was released between two parallel filled joints
Nature and Type of Failure
In service failure
A section of tunnel caved in 10 -11 years after excavation
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Moderately jointed syenite (joints filled with swelling clay)
Construction Methods and Support
Supported with a combination of rock bolts and steel fibre
reinforced concrete
Limestone
SMART
Siow, M. T. (2006)
Siow, M. T. (2006)
McFeat-Smith (2008)
Background
9.7km long and 13.26m diameter tunnel
Consequence
Unpublished
Gulp (2007)
Lessons learnt
Sub-urban tunnelling with thin rock cover should be avoided if
possible due to the unpredictable degree of rock weathering
If this cannot be avoided, adequate ground investigation should be
carried out for the design of the large span cavern/tunnel, taking
into account possible variation in rockhead in the local geology
Source of Information
AD (2008a). . Apple Daily Newspaper. 19
January 2008, Hong Kong, pp A22.
Sina (2008a). <http://news.sina.com/ch/phoenixtv/102-101-101-102/200801-17/15232606535.html> (17 Jan 2008).
Sina (2008b).
(18 Jan 2008).
<http://news.sina.com.hk/cgi-bin/nw/show.cgi/9/1/1/613096/>
Sina (2008a)
AD (2008)
Background
Construction of a cross passage between two tunnel boring
machine tunnels
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Collapse of the cross passage tunnel
Consequence
Cave-in at the road, about 100m2 on plan
No injury
Emergency and Remedial Measures
Crater backfilled with concrete
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Figures
Discharge through the screw conveyor of the EPBM
Wallis, P (2009)
Background
The Langstaff sewer tunnel was about 3.6km long
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
About 1,800 m3 of liquefied mud flowed into the tunnel over a
48-hour period through the tail brushes causing the tunnel and
the TBM to sink by more than 3m and collapse
A deep sinkhole formed at the ground surface
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Wet sands and silts under a high water table
Construction Methods and Support
Constructed by EPBM
Lessons Learnt
Sealing of the wire brushes is crucial to the safe operation of the
EPBM
Property Highlights of
Singapore (2008)
Background
Construction of Circle Line 4 tunnel by 6m diameter slurry
mixshield TBM
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Cave-in at Holland Road approximately 8m diameter x 3m deep
Mecsi J. (2014)
Background
The M6 Motorway section connecting Szekszrd to Pcs
consists of four tunnels with cross section area of 101 m2
First collapse occurred at the double tunnel A (2 x 1,356m
long) on 24 July 2008
Posterior collapse occurred on 12 August 2008
Mecsi J. (2014)
Mecsi J. (2014)
Consequence
Evacuation completed successfully, but the increased air
pressure knocked down workers waiting at the entrance of the
tunnel
Work in the four tunnels was stopped and a thorough
investigation was carried out
Emergency and Remedial Measures
A stabilizing row of cemented jet grouting piles (8m long and
150cm diameter) was constructed in both tubes of the collapsed
tunnel section
Further excavation in the collapsed section was carried out under
the protection of a tube umbrella (15m long with 5m overlap)
Lessons Learnt
The excavation and support sequence needs to be controlled
AD (2008b)
CNS (2008)
CNS (2008)
CNS (2008)
XINHUANET (2008)
XINHUANET (2008)
XINHUANET (2008)
XINHUANET (2008)
XINHUANET (2008)
Background
Construction of Hangzhou Metro
Wallis, S (2009)
Background
North-South-Metro Line was 3.8km long with 7 underground
stations
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Collapse of the diaphragm walls
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Water-bearing quaternary Rhine deposits consisting of sands
and gravels
Water table at about 8-10m below ground with seasonal
fluctuations
Toes of the diaphragm walls at 37-40m depth
Consequence
Collapse of the citys historical archive building
Partial collapse of two apartment buildings
Evacuation of local residents (80 families in 10 buildings)
Two people killed
Wallis, P (2009a)
Background
The Brightwater conveyance tunnel facility in King County was
about 4.2 km long
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
4.5m x 9m sinkhole formed at a driveway of a house
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Abrasive glacial deposits (composed of sand/gravel (Outwash),
silt/silty sand (Till/Alluvium) and hard clay) and under high
groundwater pressures
Construction Methods and Support
Tunnelling by Mixshield slurry TBM
Wallis, P (2009b)
Background
The Beacon Hill Light Rail Station was opened in July 2009
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
A 6.4m deep sinkhole formed at the ground surface
Six other large voids were found 6m to 18m below the ground
surface and behind the segmental lining of the bored TBM
running tunnels
Project Title
Glendoe Hydro Scheme
Source of Information
Wallis, S. (2009a). Rockfalls shut down Glendoe power plant.
TunnelTalk. <http://www.tunneltalk.com/Glendoe-Aug09-Rockfallshutdown.php> (Aug 2009).
Wallis, S (2009a)
Background
20,000 tonnes of rock fell inside a headrace tunnel connecting
to the power generation turbine. The unlined headrace tunnel
was constructed by TBM. Tunnel section of 7-800m in length
was blocked by the debris
Nature and Type of Failure
In service failure
Rockfall
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Competent Rock
Construction Methods and Support
5m diameter unlined TBM tunnel
Temporary Support was designed in accordance with Barton Q
system. Support comprised steel-fibre reinforced shotcrete,
rockbolts and mesh
Lessons learnt
Potential effect of weak zone found in the vicinity of tunnel
Wallis, S (2009b)
Background
Line 3 Phase 3 of the Cairo Metro was about 7.2km long
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
First failure A segment fallen out of a ring subsequently
forming a sinkhole on the ground surface
Second failure Second ground collapse occurred after the
pouring of concrete in attempt to arrest the first collapse
Project Title
Gilgel Gibe II Hydro Project
Source of Information
Wallis, P. (2010). Collapse of head race tunnel after grand
opening. TunnelTalk. <http:/www.tunneltalk.com/Gilgel-Gibe-II-Feb10collapse.php> (February 2010).
Wallis, P. (2010)
Figures
Route of the 26km long headrace
Background
A 26km headrace tunnel was constructed in Ethiopia as a
part of the Gilgel Gibe II Hydro Project
Nature and Type of Failure
1st Failure: Construction failure in October 2006. High
pressure, 40 bar, mud inflow pushed the TBM backwards
and crushed the segmental lining at the back
2nd Failure: In service failure in January 2010. Cave in
and rock fall occurred in the completed tunnel. About 1520m section of the tunnel 9km from the portal was affected
by the incident and the estimated quantity of material ingress
into the tunnel was about 8500m3. The collapse created a
cavity of 30m to 40m depth above the tunnel crown
Consequence
1st incident: Two year delay of construction
2nd incident: Reduction/suspension of power generation
capacity
Emergency and Remedial Measures
1st incident: A 230m bypass tunnel was excavated by the TBM
to pass the point of failure
2nd incident: Program for drilling of additional boreholes,
clearing and either reconstruction of the collapsed tunnel
section with shotcrete and steel rib support or construction of
bypass tunnel at the point of collapse
Lessons learnt
Additional ground investigation works could improve the
understanding to the actual geology and hydrogeology. Risk of
excessive inflow should be taken into account during the
design stage
Any abnormalities observed during tunnel construction should
be carefully assessed noting that rock blocks unravelled from
the face during the tunnel excavation. Such abnormalities may
not cause immediate collapse but may initiate the collapse
mechanism in future
Only 10-15m of lining was damaged and the lining did not
collapse along the joints. The use of hexagonal lining could
help prevent progressive collapse
From http://www.ulma.cz/?q=en/node/387
Figures
Photo of Third Collapse on 6 July 2010
From https://cijblog.wordpress.com/tag/prague/page/8/
Background
Blanka Tunnel (about 6.0km long) forms part of the ring road
system in Prague. Cut-and-cover method and NATM were
used for the tunnel construction
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
1st incident: On 20 May 2008, a crater of 15m deep was
formed inside Stromovka Park
2nd incident: On 12 October 2008, a crater of 15m deep and
30m in diameter was formed inside Stromovka Park
3rd incident: On 6 July 2010, a crater of 15m in diameter was
formed in the vicinity of the buildings of the Ministry of
Culture
Consequence
No injury in the 1st and 2nd incidents; In the 3rd incident, an
excavator driver was buried and then rescued
Additional cost and construction program delay
Emergency and Remedial Measures
1st and 2nd incidents: Unknown
3rd incident: Crater was backfilled with 2000m3 of concrete up
to 3m below ground
Lessons learnt
From the 1st incident, the consequence of unsuccessful
groundwater ingress control was illustrated
For the 2nd incident, additional ground investigation works
could improve the understanding to the actual geology and
may reduce the tunnelling risk in the aspect of unforeseen
ground condition
21CN (2011).
<http://house.21cn.com/collect/2011/10/31/9615710.shtml> (31
October 2011).
OD (2011). .
2011, Hong Kong.
2home (2011)
Background
-Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Several ground failures occurred in
Xiameilin, Futian District ()
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Unpublished
Construction Methods and Support
Tunnelling by TBM at about 22m to
26m below ground
OD (2011)
Consequence
Evacuation of nearby residents
Possible cause of failure
Unexpected change in sub-surface materials encountered, from slight
decomposed rock to completely decomposed rock
Remedial Measures
Backfill of the sinkhole with concrete
SD (2011)
Kenyon, P. (2013)
Wallis, S. (2012)
Background
The 5m diameter, 800m long tunnel was constructed for housing
an undersea pipeline between two refineries on opposite sides of
a sea channel at Mizushima Port in Kurashiki
Source of Information
MD (2012). . Macao Daily, 21 July 2012, Macau.
MDT (2012). Report : four causes account for Hengqin tunnel
collapsed. Macau Daily Times. 14 August, 2012.
OD (2012). . Oriental Daily, 21 July,
2012, Hong Kong.
MD (2012)
Background
Four-lane 1.57km long road tunnel
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
The lateral support wall collapsed resulting in caving of the
surrounding ground surface
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Reclaimed land
Construction Methods and Support
Constructed by cut-and-cover method
Source of Information
Wallis, S. (2012). Tunnel ceiling collapse kills in Japan.
TunnelTalk. <http://tunneltalk.com/Safety-Dec12-Japan-fatal-tunnel-ceilingcollapse.php> (December 2012).
<http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/03/world/asia/japan-tunnel-collapse-bolts/index.html>
Background
The twin-tube two-lane Sasago tunnel is about 4.5km long.
It was built in the mid-1970s and was opened in 1977
Nature and Type of Failure
In service failure
Ceiling collapse
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Unpublished
Construction Methods and Support
Suspended ventilation duct ceiling panels affixed to the
tunnel roof by anchor bolts
Consequence
Up to 300 ceiling panels, weighing about 1200kg each,
collapsed killing nine people and causing two injuries.
Emergency and Remedial Measures
The Japanese Government ordered emergency inspections of
49 tunnels in Japan with the same ceiling design
Lessons learnt
Inspection and maintenance works for old tunnels are
important
Project Title
Ottawas Light Rail Transit (LRT) Tunnel Project
Source of Information
Wallis, S. & Kenyon, P. (2014) Ottawa manages excavation
ground run. TunnelTalk. <http://tunneltalk.com/Ottawa-LRT-27Feb2014Early-excavation-progress-and-shallow-cover-fill-material-causes-sinkhole.php>
(27 February 2014)
Background
The project involves 2.5km underground works of single-tube,
double track running tunnels
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Ground run through the crown leading to the formation of a
sinkhole
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Competent limestone (a pocket of clay and sandy clay deposits
was noted at the incident location)
Construction Methods and Support
Roadheader excavation with an open-face SEM on a top
heading and bench sequence
Shotcrete and pipe-roof arch support
Project Title
Rios Metro Line 4
Source of Information
Tunnel (2014). Sinkhole incident at Rios Metro Line 4.
<http://www.tunnelonline.info/en/news/tunnel_Erdfall_beim_Bau_der_Metro_line_4_in Rio
19904770.html>
Background
16km metro line connecting Barra de Tijuca to Ipanema is
under construction since 2010 and will be in operation in
2016
Adopted tunnelling methods comprise NATM and EPB TBM
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
Two sinkholes in Barao da Torre Street in Ipanema, Rio de
Janeiro, caused by the TBM excavation underneath
Consequence
No injury
Minor construction delay
Emergency and Remedial Measures
The area was blocked off
The cavities were backfilled with roughly 100m3 of concrete
Lessons learnt
As revealed from the incident investigation study, the impact of
incident has been limited due to four factors
Nathan Road
Water table
Annular Ground
Treatment
Annular Ground
Treatment
Station Tunnel
Running
Tunnel
Background
A running tunnel (5m in diameter) being constructed from Prince
Edward Station by the drill and blast method
Ground above the tunnel strengthened
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
A wall section of the running tunnel under Nathan Road
collapsed
The subsidence did not affect the road surface
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Decomposed granite overlain by fill
Construction Methods and Support
Drill-and-blast method
Rock
Soft Ground
Shield Chamber
Background
Tunnelling from Admiralty to Causeway Bay for MTR Island Line
SCMP (1983)
MP (1983a)
Background
Tunnelling from Tai Koo Station to Sai Wan Ho Station for MTR
Island Line
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
13m x 1m void formed
Case No HK4. MTR Island Line, 140-168 Shau Kei Wan Road,
16 Dec. 1983
Asia
Hong Kong, China
16 December 1983
Project Title
MTR Island Line
Source of Information
MP (1983b). . ing Pao
Newspaper. 17 Dec. 1983, Hong Kong.
MP (1983b)
Background
Construction of Sai Wan Ho Station for MTR Island Line
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
More than 40mm of ground settlement
About 150m3 of soil flowed into the tunnel leaving a void
between Shau Kei Wan Road and the tunnel
Background
Twin railway tunnels between Jordan Road and East Tsim
Sha Tsui Station
Incident of ground loss occurred at TBM launch area
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
3m(W) x 3.5m(L) x 3m(D) sinkhole formed reaching the
ground surface
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Fill, marine deposit, alluvium, completely/highly decomposed
granite and MDG; groundwater few meters below ground
Construction Methods and Support
Slurry TBM
Consequence
Crater formed at the ground surface closed to a busy road and
a gas main
Emergency and Remedial Measures
Backfilling of the sinkhole with stockpile materials and subbase materials
Lessons Learnt
Unpublished
Background
Twin railway tunnels between Jordan Road and East Tsim
Sha Tsui Station
Nature and Type of Failure
Construction failure
2m x 3m sinkhole reaching the ground surface
Ground and Groundwater Conditions
Fill, marine deposit, alluvium, completely/highly decomposed
granite and MDG; groundwater few meters below ground
Construction Methods and Support
Slurry TBM
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Brady, S. (2013). Interstate 90 Connector Tunnel ceiling collapse.
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