ENGINEERING GEOLOGY, cilt.181, ss.38-47, 2014 (SCI-Expanded)
The geomechanical characterization of a twin-tube tunnel during exploration and excavation stages is presented and used as a base (a) to interpret the monitored long-term displacements, (b) to numerically investigate if the displacement pattern at a given section could be predicted using an equivalent continuum model and (c) to assess adequacy of the NATM recommended excavation method and support systems. The pre-excavation rock mass classification by RMR and Q systems utilizing logs of two exploration boreholes lead to reasonably similar predictions of the as-built rock mass quality.