An Introduction to Tunnelling Design

Wednesday 15 September 1999

History has revealed the intrinsic need for good design in all engineering structures. The phrases 'rule of thumb' and 'gut feeling' predominated much in early engineering language and as such structures either stood-up or fell down depending on how good the engineer's eye or feeling was for the behaviour of the structure in question. The successful structures were generally massive and symmetrical using the principles of gravity and geometry to provide the in-built stability. Structures such as the Pyramids were extreme examples of gravity and geometrical design.

Many structures that did not conform to the basic principles of statics (gravity) or geometrical shape and symmetry have collapsed and have been removed from sight.