Structurae

The term tunnel refurbishment is mostly understood to mean the upgrading or improvement of underground cavity structures like rail or road tunnels and also structures for hydropower stations and underground operations. Before starting refurbishment measures, it is absolutely necessary to survey the exact condition of the existing structure. This survey of the actual condition cannot be based on the assumption that the available design documents correspond to the facts on site. It is therefore sensible, or even essential, to call on engineers, whose experience goes back to the time the relevant construction methods were in use and who can visualise the ideas of the former state of technology. This basic knowledge is necessary in order to plan adequate and correct investigations so that certain results can be obtained for the design of the refurbishment works.
Experience shows that false assumptions about the existing structure have resulted in extensive design changes during the construction phase and severe delays with considerable cost effects. The examples in this article show that different refurbishment measures have to be approached differently and that in the future, the consequences of tolerances should be planned and clearly specified according to the specific nature of the task.