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urban tunnel
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urban tunnel

building and construction
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Quick Summary

Urban tunnels are horizontal underground passageways created through excavation, primarily for transportation like roads, subways, and railways, as well as for utilities such as water and sewage. They can also be used for various other purposes, including hydroelectric power plants, parking facilities, and storage.1

Construction methods vary depending on the ground conditions. For soft ground, techniques like shield tunneling and pipe jacking are employed, often requiring continuous support and careful management of ground settlement. Underwater tunnels can be built using the immersed-tube method, where prefabricated sections are sunk into a trench. Environmental control, including ventilation, dust, and noise management, is crucial for worker safety, especially in longer tunnels. Geologic investigation is vital to anticipate ground and water conditions and minimize construction risks.234567

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
10 Britannica Sources
  1. tunnels and underground excavations
  2. tunnels and underground excavations - Potential applications
  3. tunnels and underground excavations - Pipe jacking
  4. tunnels and underground excavations - Development of method
  5. tunnels and underground excavations - Shield tunnels
  6. tunnels and underground excavations - Environmental control
  7. tunnels and underground excavations - Excavation and materials handling
  8. tunnels and underground excavations - Geologic investigation
  9. tunnels and underground excavations - Water control
  10. tunnels and underground excavations - Settlement damage and lost ground

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