Tunneling Trending Infrastructure Tool for Texas Urban Centers - ASCE Texas Section

Описание: Rapidly growing urban populations across Texas are straining existing transportation, water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure. In many cases, in addition to growing, population is also densifying around the urban core, driving infrastructure needs in existing developed areas. This infrastructure often must be constructed in very narrow right-of-way, around existing sensitive utilities, and the work must be completed while minimizing environmental and community impacts.

To maximize the level of service and minimize disruption to residents, businesses and commuters, many projects are using a new tool in the toolbox: Tunneling. Tunneling has already been used across the state and has benefited from rapid technological improvements and a maturing contractor pool – increasing the rate of adoption. Tunneled infrastructure can be installed with a fraction of the community impact of traditional construction methods, and tunneling can utilize existing right-of-way without disturbing existing infrastructure.

Although every urban center in Texas has built tunnels, the technology, construction methods and benefits are still unfamiliar to many agencies and engineers. As tunneling technology has become more proven, and the contractor pool has become more experienced, projects that were once infeasible are now possible.

The paper will discuss important considerations for planning, designing and constructing a tunnel project and highlight examples from Texas and around the US.