Selection of shaft construction method

Underground structures play a crucial role in both civil and mining engineering. Central to these projects are shafts which are vertical or inclined passages that provide essential access to the subsurface and are fundamental to creating and maintaining these subsurface environments. They may provide access during construction of tunnels, facilitate ventilation, or can be used in water and waste management. The wide range of applications of shafts has been described in the document “Shafts – Definitions and Classifications” published in April 2021 by WG23 of the ITA. Each of these applications and shafts have different needs and specifications. Since the size, shape, and depth of shafts are specified depending on project needs and based on geological and hydrological conditions of the site, it is important to select a suitable method for the safe and economic construction of the structure and to assure the quality of the final structure for safe operation. This document reviews the different construction methods, discusses the conditions in which they can be applied, and points out the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Charts and diagrams have been prepared that could be used as a tool to help selecting a suitable method based on site conditions.