Future tunnelling projects in Istanbul and some considerations for using mechanized tunnelling based on previous experiences

N. Bilgin, C. Balci, H. Copur, S. Akyuz, M. Namli, L. Tuysuz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The total length of the tunnels planned to be excavated in Istanbul in the near future is 185 km for metro tunnels and 47 km for utility tunnels. Majority of the tunnels will be excavated with tunnel boring machines and the total cost of the operation is estimated to be around 10 billion Euros. In this paper the projects concerning future tunneling activities will be summarized including geological characteristics of the related area. The geology of Istanbul is complex and some of the tunnels have been currently excavated in young Cenozoic formations and some of them in complex series of Paleozoic formations. The Paleozoic rock formations are cut frequently by andesite and diabase dykes, fracturing the main rock, decreasing the daily advance rates and increasing the tunneling cost tremendously. Sometimes in EPB (Earth Pressure Balance) TBM applications, excessive ground deformations may cause damages to the surrounding buildings like experienced in Otogar-Esenler metro tunnels which caused an extra cost of 35.6 million US Dollars of the project. Possible difficulties which may be encountered during tunnel excavations will be cited in the paper and some recommendations will be made to ease the success of the tunneling operations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnderground - The Way to the Future
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the World Tunnel Congress, WTC 2013
PublisherTaylor and Francis - Balkema
Pages2094-2099
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781138000940
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
EventWorld Tunnel Congress: Underground - The Way to the Future, WTC 2013 - Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: 31 May 20137 Jun 2013

Publication series

NameUnderground - The Way to the Future: Proceedings of the World Tunnel Congress, WTC 2013

Conference

ConferenceWorld Tunnel Congress: Underground - The Way to the Future, WTC 2013
Country/TerritorySwitzerland
CityGeneva
Period31/05/137/06/13

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