World Tunnel Congress 2008 - Underground Facilities for Better Environment and Safety - India

Gotthard base tunnel rock burst phenomena in a fault zone, measuring and modelling results
Heinz Hagedorn & Rolf Stadelmann
Amberg Engineering AG, Switzerland

Stephan Husen
Swiss Seismological Service (SED) ETH Zurich, Switzerland

SYNOPSIS: During construction of the multifunction section Faido consisting of up to 5 parallel tunnels an unknown fault zone has been encountered. Large deformations occurred during excavation especially in a tunnel crossing the fault kernel. The excavation of the tunnel system has been given rise to a large area of stress redistributions, causing stress concentrations in the hard rock adjacent to the fault. During 2005 rock bursts started to occur at the excavation faces. The intensity of the rock burst increased with ongoing construction. The tunnels owner ATG (AlpTransit Gotthard Base Tunnel AG) decided to monitor the seismic activity by a dense network of seismic stations. The monitoring campaign including result interpretation has been realized by the SED (Swiss Seismological Service, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology). The seismic measuring results enabled to determine the micro tremors sources and to derive the dynamic load to be applied on numerical models. The numerical investigations served to assess the additional loading of the tunnels final concrete lining and the possible risk arising due to a micro seismic event during operation of the tunnel. Amberg Engineering AG is member of the Engineering JV Gotthard Base Tunnel South, GBTS, consisting of: PYRY, Lombardi AG and Amberg Engineering AG.

1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Overview The longest tunnel of the NEAT (New Alpine Transverse) through the Swiss Alps is the Gotthard Base Tunnel (GBT) with a length of 57 km. The tunnel consists of two parallel single track tubes each with a diameter of 9.2 m. The maximum overburden is 2350 meters. Three intermediate points of attack divide the tunnel into five sections of approximately equal length. These additional attacks are necessary to attain a reasonable construction time and for ventilation purposes. Detailed information of the tunnel can be found under http://www.alptransit.ch/pages/e/. The intermediate points of attack at Sedrun and Faido shall serve as Multi Function Sections (MFS) during operation of the tunnel. These MFS enables the trains to change the tunnel tube in case of maintenance works and the specially ventilated

emergency sections serve the rescue of people in emergency cases (Figure 1). The MFS Faido had to be accessed by a 2.7 km long access tunnel declining at 12.7% from the portal. The overburden in the MFS Faido is approximately 1500 meters. The excavation was done by Drill and Blast 1.2 Geological Prediction for the MFS FAIDO The outcrops from quarries in the area of the MFS Faido, the experiences made during construction of the investigation system for the Triassic Piora basin as well as various vertical exploration drillings confirmed a favorable geological section for the designed location the MFS consisting of Leventina Gneisses with very good quality (Figure 2).

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East Tube EON Cross cavern

West Tube EWN

Figure 1 Schematic original layout of the multifunction section at Faido.

MFS Faido

0 km

57 km

Figure 2. Geology along the Gotthard Base Tunnel consisting mainly of gneiss and granite. MFS Faido is located in the Leventina Gneiss of very good quality

1.3 Actual Geology in the area of the MFS Faido During construction of the cross cavern (Figure 1) a break down of fine grained quartz occurred in the caverns roof forming a cavity of 8 meters in height. The results of an extensive drill holes campaign together with seismic reflection measurements effectuated during construction revealed an unknown large fault system in the area of the MFS Faido. The main kernel of this fault strikes at an average angle of about 15 to the tunnel axis and dips at about 80. The fault system encountered during construction is shown in Figure 3. In the faults kernel, layers of partially completely decomposed rock (kakitrite) are embedded. Adjacent to the east of the fault hard and brittle

Leventina gneiss is located. To the west of the fault the rock mass consists of hard but less brittle Lucomagno gneiss. 2. DIFFICULTIES DURING CONSTRUCTION

During the first rebuilding of the EWN tube to the north of the cross cavern (Figure 1) a support consisting of steel arches HEM 200 backfilled with 40 cm concrete was installed immediately after each excavation step of 1 m. This rigid support was intended to cater for the heavy pressure and especially to protect workforce from break outs at the face. In the rebuilt section, on a length of 250 m (Figure 3) the loading of the support however gave rise to radial displacements of up to 1 m. Strain

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North
EON tube

Area of increased rock bursts

Faults kernel

East

South

EWN tube
800 m Cross section for 2D modeling

Cross Cavern

Rescue Station

Access tunnel

West

Figure 3. Actual geology recognized by January 2003. Faults kernel with intensively jointed rock to both sides of the kernel. As a consequence the crossover has been shifted to the south (Figure 1).

measurements revealed yielding of the steel arches already Figure 4 days after backfilling[1]. Severe damage of the support developed (Figure 4) and the critical section had again to be rebuilt with an enlarged excavation radius of 1.5 m to allow for additional displacements. A flexible support has been installed using TH profiles with sliding connections. Shotcrete slots were left open for unhindered sliding of the arches and for avoiding damage of the shorcrete lining due to further movements (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Rebuilding of the critical section with enlarged profile and slots in the concrete lining

Figure 4. Sheared off steel arch in the invert

3.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION STATIC LOAD CASE

OF

THE

In order to better understand the failure mechanisms in the area around the tunnels of the MFS numerical modeling was carried out. The model section is

indicated in Figure 3. From the known geology it was obvious that a discontinuum model with deformable blocks had to be used in order to recognize the influence of the discontinuities and the kakirite zones on the stability of the tunnel section. For this purpose the program UDEC, developed by ITASCA was used. The investigation was based on a parametric study comprising the variation of rock and joint properties. The model is shown in Figure 6. The different fault regions in the model have been selected according to the geologists findings based on interpretation of numerous borehole results. From overburden, rock mass density and gravity a primary principal stress level of yy=42 MPa and xx = 21 MPa was defined at the top of the model. In Figure 6 the vertical stresses yy are represented. The results 421

clearly show a considerable extension of the stress redistribution due to the excavation of the tunnels. In the area of the middle tunnel EWN both the xx and yy stresses decreased to approximately 10 MPa. A general stress reduction occurred around all of the three tunnels. To the east of the fault in the hard brittle gneiss a stress concentration is extending beneath the tunnel along the faults eastern boundary The stress concentration at tunnel level amounts to yy = 60 to 80 MPa (Figure 6). The area of this stress is in accordance with the hypocenters of the micro tremors (Figure 8).
Kernel Intensively jointed Hard rock, brittle Stress concentration

West

East

Medium hard rock X

Seismological Service (SED) recorded an accumulation of seismic activity in the area of the MFS Faido, a region which normally shows a very low seismicity. During the above mentioned period the permanently installed Swiss Digital Seismic Network (SDSNet) registered 10 seismic events with local magnitudes ML between 0.9 and 1.9. With the SDSNet located at the surface, the epicenters could be associated with the area of the MFS Faido within an accuracy of one kilometer. Together with the M1.9 tremor of 1.6.2005 a strong rock burst could be associated. The same holds for two additional tremors of similar magnitude. On the other hand no relations to rock bursts could be identified for tremors during the period March to April 2004. Since it could not be excluded that the accumulation of the tremors correlated with the construction of the MFS Faido the owner ATG decided in July 2005 to form a Work Group Micro tremors consisting of representatives from the Swiss Seismological Service (SED), Geology, Engineering joint venture GBTS, Supervision and ATG, the owner of the tunnel. On March 25, 2006 the strongest micro tremor of ML 2.4 was registered. This tremor was felt by the inhabitants of the village Faido close to the jobsite. This tremor triggered a stress drop nearby the EON causing heaving in the invert. 4.2 Additional seismic measuring stations With first priority, additional seismic stations were installed at the surface and in the MFS Faido. For precise monitoring and location of the seismic activity a special local seismic network consisting of nine stations at the surface, including one station from the SDSNet, were installed in a circular arrangement 10 to 15 km around the MFS Faido. In addition, two additional stations were installed at different locations in the tunnels of the MFS Faido. The circular position of the seismic measuring equipment allows a precise determination of the epicenters whereas the measuring stations directly above and inside the MFS Faido serve the evaluation of the depths of the micro tremors sources. The readings of the measuring stations were integrated in the SEDs data acquisition system. The real time transmission of the measuring data guaranteed a continuous survey of the seismic activity allowing for an immediate alert of the responsible organizations such as ATG, supervision and authorities in case of a strong tremor. This was

Figure 6. Static load case: Distribution of the vertical stresses yy

4.

MICRO TREMORS

4.1 Development of the seismic activity In this paper, we define micro tremors as a seismic event generally occurring at a larger distance from the tunnel (few hundred meters) whereas a rock burst occurs in the direct vicinity of the tunnel. During 2004 rock bursts took place mainly at the face of the EON (Figure 3) to the north of the cross cavern (Figure 1). Most of these bursts (ca. 75%) occurred approximately Figure 3 hours after blasting. During 2005 intensive rock bursts happened independently of the excavation in the back area of the eastern tube giving rise to partially severe damage of the support. Constructional adaptations of the support and excluding critical tunnel sections for access were required to provide for the safety of workforce and equipment [2]. Between March 2004 and June 2005 the Swiss

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of particular importance in case of the M2.4 tremor occurring on 25.03.2006. Accurate seismic wave velocities required for the hypocenters determinations were derived from two calibration shots carried out in the MFS Faido. An average Pwave velocity of 5.33 km/s was calculated. 4.3 Chronology of the seismic events Figure 7 shows the development of the recorded micro tremors number and magnitudes as functions of time. The highest seismic activity took place during December 2005, March 2006 and Mai 2006. The highest magnitude of 2.4 occurred on 25th March 2006. During the period from October 2005 to February 2008 a total of 112 micro tremors were recorded. The magnitudes of most of the tremors were below 1.0. With termination of excavation in the MFS Faido the micro tremors number and magnitudes decreased continuously. Since September 2007 no more micro tremors have been recorded above the measuring threshold of M = -1.0 in the area of the MFS Faido.

4.4 Epicenters The epicenters of all registered micro tremors during Oct. 2005 to Feb. 2008 are depicted in Figure 8. The micro tremors are concentrated in the rock mass to the north of the MFS Faido close to the eastern part of the tunnel system. The accuracy of the epicenters localization is less than 100 m and less than 250 m in focal depth as determined by relocation of the calibration shots. Within the error ellipsoid the tremors sources are at tunnel level. 4.5 Impacts of rock bursts on the tunnel The rock bursts damage potential is illustrated in Figure.9. The picture to the left shows the damage of the support with a shotcrete plate ejected into the EON. This rock burst occurred together with the M1.9 micro tremor of July 2005. The EONs invert heave in the picture to the right was caused by the M2.4 micro tremor of 25.03.2006. Due to the seismic impact the invert heave was smaller than it is shown in the picture taken 2 days later.

Figure 7. Chronological development of number and magnitudes of the micro tremors (with courtesy form SED)

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4.6 Measured particle velocities V for the design micro tremor at station MFS-A In Figure 10 the measured particle velocities V registered at the station MFS-A (Figure 3 and Figure 8) for the M2.4 micro tremor on 25.03.2006 are presented. In the diagram the velocity components Vx, Vy and Vz are shown. The orientations of the X-, Y-, and Z coordinates correspond to those of the model coordinates. The maximum measured amplitude amounting to 0.024 m/s was in the horizontal X direction normal to the tunnel axis. The total measuring interval was 1 sec. The relevant vibration starts at 0.193 sec after the measurements triggering. The dynamic load for the model computations started at that same time to reduce computation time and amount of data. 4.7 Findings form the seismic measurements The micro tremors in the northern part of the MFS

tend to form clusters i.e. the sources of several tremors are located within the same area. Considering the predominant steep west - east dipping joint system striking sub parallel to the tunnel axis (Figure 3 and Figure 6) shear failures along joints are most likely. The micro tremors source locations in the hard Leventina gneiss to the east of the fault corresponds to the location of the vertical stress concentrations resulting from the computations of the static load case in Figure 6. There is a general tendency of the micro tremors to move together with the excavation of the tunnels form the cross caverns area to the north. Very few micro tremors occurred in the southern part of the MFS Faido; these events occurred outside the region shown in Figure 8. Many of the rock bursts causing the supports damages in the tunnels were triggered by the micro tremors.

East

Date

M2.4
East tube, EON West tube, EWN Measuring station MFS-B Measuring station MFS-A

Figure 8. Epicenters of the micro tremors from Oct. 2005 to Feb. 2008 (with courtesy form SED)

01.06.2005

25.03.2006/ Photo: 27.03.2006

Figure 9. Left: Rock burst of 01.06.05: Damage of the supports shotcrete, EON (on this date no seismic registration was installed). Right: M2.4 micro tremor of 25.03.2006: invert heave, EON.

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5.

DYNAMIC MODELLING

5.1 Aims of modelling The aim of the numerical modeling was to provide basic appraisals with respect to the structural safety and usability of the tunnels during and after a seismic event. The investigations result should furthermore disclose the residual risks to be accepted and its impact potential on the tunnels concrete linings. The structural design has been completed prior to the occurrence of rock bursts. Therefore, it had to be controlled whether the lining designed for the static load case still fulfills the tunnels safety and usability requirements during and after a micro tremors impact. 5.2 Computational methods and models For the investigation 2D and 3D models were applied using the discontinuum codes UDEC and 3DEC (ITASCA, [3]). Discontinuum models were used to consider block movements (rigid body movements) in the jointed rock mass. The blocks themselves are deformable. Due to the high computation time parametric studies were not possible with the 3D model. For parametric studies 2D models were used instead. The results

presented refer solely to the dynamic load case. In a first step the static equilibrium of the supported tunnel system was computed. In a second step the final lining was inserted in the model and the design micro tremors load superimposed to the static case. The properties for the rock and the two major joint systems were specified together with the geologists. A joint spacing of 2 m was used for the faults kernel zone. The real joint spacing in the kernel is much smaller which was accounted for by correspondingly reducing the rocks properties. Weak rock properties were assigned to the layers containing kakirites (Figure 11). For modeling support and final lining in the 2D models block elements and structural bar elements were used. Special investigations have shown the deviation of seismic waves along weak rock formations. Therefore two different 2D models with one and with two kakirit layers (Figure 11), respectively, were investigated. The results from these models reveal the influence of a tunnels distance from a kakirite layer on the dynamic loading of its liner in case of a micro tremor. With Model1 a stress drop in the vicinity of the EON was initiated. The results reveal the impact of such an event on the tunnel lining.

Particle Velocities V (m/sec)

0.03 0.02 0.01 0.00 -0.01 -0.02 -0.03 Time t (s)

Figure 10.
Start of Computations

Vx Vz
Z Y

Vy 0.0 0.2 0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

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5.3 Specification of the model design loading wave The work group Micro Tremors decided to consider the M2.4 micro tremor of 25 March 2006 as the decisive design tremor. For the seismic model loading of the input wave corresponding to the design tremor had first to be specified. With this decision a conservative dynamic load was selected in order to control the safety and stability of the tunnels under operation in case of a micro tremor in the area of the tunnels. The emitted wave at the tremors source first had to pass the tunnel system and the fault zone prior to arrive at measuring station MFS-A. To determine the waves attenuation 10 times amplified measured particle velocities

were applied at the eastern boundary of the 3D model. With this load the particle velocities in a model point simulating the MFS-A were in magnitude similar to those of the measured signal (Figure 12). The dynamic design load was therefore determined as the 10 times amplified measured signal (Figure 10) with a peak Vx -velocity component of 0.23 m/s. This design load covers the strongest micro tremor identified since starting the extended seismic monitoring in the MFS Faido (Figure 7) and is conservative. Figure 12 shows the 3D model used. In the diagram the design loads Vx particle velocity is compared to the signal received in model point P41 simulating the location of the MFS-A.

Figure 11. 2D Model1 and Model 2 with 2 and 1 layers of kakirite in the faults kernel

Figure 12. Left: 3D Model. Right: Vx Horizontal cut through the model with point P41 simulating approximately the MFS-A. The curves refer to the Vx input particle velocity and the Vx at P41. t is the waves travel time from the models load boundary to Point P41.

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5.4 Results form 2D Modelling The results presented refer to the dynamic design load only. Of particular interest were the liners concrete stresses and displacements as a function of time due to the dynamic load. For this purpose the corresponding results in the EWNs liner were compared for Model_1 and Model_2. For the interpretation a liner segment at the eastern change from invert to side wall was selected. The concrete lining thickness of the EWN is 60 cm. Negative stress denotes compression. In Model 1 the EWN is embedded between two kakirite layers whereas in Model 2 the location of the EWN is in front of a kakirite layer and exposed to the more or less undamped wave arriving from the right model side (East). The concrete stresses represented in Figure 13 and Figure 14 clearly show the damping effect of the kakirite layer in front of the EWN (Figure 13). The concrete stresses due to the dynamic design load are small compared to those determined for the static case. The stress peaks occur at high frequencies. The evaluation of the displacements corner frequencies revealed a displacements decrease approximately at 60 Hz. Figure 13 and Figure 14 contain the low pass filtered stresses at 60 Hz. From the curve of the filtered stresses can be deduced that the design stresses to be considered are considerably smaller than the stress peaks. Due to an irreversible shear movement along a joint in the tunnels vicinity the liner stresses for Model 2 reveal a small permanent remaining compression stress after the dynamic impact. The shear movement in the joint was caused by the unhindered waves deviation towards the tunnel along the weak kakirite layer. Figure 15 and Figure 16 show the EWNs displacements evaluated for the same case and at the same liner location as used for the concrete stresses evaluation. In accordance with the stresses the deformations generally are small. Similar to the concrete stresses, the displacement of the EWNs liner embedded between two kakirite layers is smaller compared to the case of Model 2.
Concrete stress in liner (MPa) 2 1 0 -1 0.0 -2 -3 -4 -5 Time t (s) 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5
Kakirite zones

EWN

unfiltered 60 Hz LP filter

Figure 13 Concrete stresses (M+N) in liner of tunnel EWN for Mod_1 with 2 kakirite zones

Concrete stress in liner (MPa)

2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 Time t (s) 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5

Kakirite zone

EWN

unfiltered 60 Hz LP filter

Figure 14 Concrete stresses (M+N) in liner of tunnel EWN for Mod_2 with 1 kakirite zone
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3
Y

Liner displacements d (mm)

EWN
Kakirite zones

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
dy dx

-4 Time t (s)

Figure 15 Liner displacement of tunnel EWN for Mod_1 with 2 kakirite zones

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During the dynamic computation with Model 1 a rock burst was triggered beneath the EON tunnel. This burst occurred due to a sudden stress drop in a joint. Figure 17 shows the stress drops
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3
Y

EWN
Kakirite zone

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5
dy dx

-4 Time t (s)

Figure 16 Liner displacement of tunnel EWN for Mod_2 with 1 kakirite zone

triggering the drop was small amounting to 0 < Vx < 0.05 m/s and occurred prior to the arrival of the input waves first Vx - peak. The drops shear direction and the magnitude of the drops stress release of 17 MPa are shown in Figure 18 Due to the stress drop, Vx in the tunnel area amounts to more than 0.40 m/s (Figure 18). The disturbing influence of the stress drop on the input wave is depicted in Figure 17, at time t = 0.1532 s i.e. 0.0179 s after the stress drops triggering. From Figure 17 the above mentioned deviation of the inputs Vx - peak along the eastern kakirite layer is obvious at t = 0.1532 s. The stress drop occurred only in Model 1 with two kakirite layers. The impact potential of the stress drop on the lining was investigated using the particle velocities PV according to 1) with the components arising at the same time t. ...(1) In Figure 19 the PVs for a point in the rock near the lining of the EON are plotted. Compared

development at different times represented by particle velocities Vx components. The disturbance

Liner displacement d (mm)

Figure 2 Development of a stressstress in thein the vicinity of tunnel EON. Represented are the particle velocities Figure 17 Development of a drop drop vicinity of tunnel EON. Represented are the particle velocities Vx. Vx Range: -0.2 -0.2 m/s. m/s. The represented interval range is 0.05 m/s. Vx. Vx Range: +0.2 +0.2 The represented Vx - Vx - interval range is 0.05 m/s.

Figure 18 Left: Development of Vx around the stress drop area. represented Vx interval range is 0.10 m/s. Right: Figure 2 Left: Development of Vx around the stress drop area. The The represented -Vx - interval range is 0.10 m/s. Right: Stress in the joint indicated joint shear movement in the left hand in the left hand picture. Stress drop of 17 MPa drop of 17 MPa in theby theindicated by the shear movement picture. The residual shear stress The residual amounts to 14.5 MPa.to 14.5 MPa. shear stress amounts

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are the PVs for the cases with and without stress drop i.e. with Model 2 and Model 1. In case of the stress drop the peak PV in the rock near the lining amounts to almost 900 mm/s. The dynamic loading on the lining in this case is similar to a shock impact [4], [5]. Without stress drop the corresponding maximum PV amounts to 200 mm/s. The frequency of the stress drop induced PV is bigger than 300 Hz whereas the frequency for the peak PV without stress drop is in the range of 50 to 60 Hz. The PVs of the lining segment under consideration are shown in Figure 20 for the cases with and without stress drop. In the models the sealing membrane between rock and lining was simulated by means of an interface. The transmissibility of this interface contributes to the vibration behavior of the lining [6]. For the case with stress drop the damping of the linings peak PV is obvious. However, due to the dampings frequency reduction in both cases with and without stress drop a longer duration of high PV in the lining can be derived from Figure 20.

Figure 21 and Figure 22 show the stresses in the concrete liner and the liners dx displacement respectively, both for the cases with and without stress drop. In the case of the stress drop the concrete stress amounts to more than 8 MPa and the liners displacements to 6 mm. From the above mentioned results must be concluded, that in case of a stress drop as developed in Model 1 damage of the lining cannot be excluded. The probability of the occurrence of the design micro tremor and the corresponding triggering of a stress drop has been assessed by experts as very low. This assessment is based on the fact that after termination of the excavation in the MFS no more micro tremors occurred and in addition a clear correlation between excavation activity and micro tremors was ascertained. Furthermore the seismic activity in the area of the MFS Faido is very low. On 21.01.2008 a M4.0 earthquake occurred at a distance of approximately 50 km from the MFS Faido. This earthquake was recognized by the measuring

Figure 19 Particle velocities PV of a point in the rock mass near the lining. With and without stress drop

Figure 20. Particle velocities PV of the lining segment. With and without stress drop

Figure 21 Linings concrete stresses (M+N) of tunnel EON. With and without stress drom

Figure 22 Lin ing displacements dx of tunnel EON. With and without stress drop

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stations in the MFS. No triggering of a micro tremor could be identified. Based on above mentioned aspects the case of a stress drop near a tunnel in the MFS Faido has been accepted as a residual risk. Since a residual risk cannot be completely excluded, the owner of the tunnel, ATG decided to install seismic measuring equipments and vibration sensors in the linings of the tunnels in the MFS Faido for a permanent seismic monitoring during operation. 6. CONCLUSIONS

Construction and Operation of Long Tunnels, Taipei, Taiwan, 7. - 10.11.2005 2. Rehbock-Sander, M., Rock Bursts Experience gained in Mines and Deep Tunnels, Proc. 4th Asian Rock Mechanics Symposium (ARMS 2006), Singapore, 8.-10.11.2006 ITASCA, UDEC Manual, Background, Itasca Consulting Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Theory Group, and Inc.

3.

4.

During tunneling at great depth in geological conditions as encountered in the MFS Faido micro tremors triggering rock bursts are likely to occur. The stress redistribution due to tunneling and the stress concentration in hard rock in combination with an existing zone of weakness (fault) favors the occurrence of micro tremors. The micro tremors did clearly correlate with the excavation activities. After terminating the excavation no more micro tremors have been identified. Micro tremors cannot be avoided. During construction precaution measures such as closing of critical sections and flexible support consisting of flexible rock bolts and steel arches are to be applied. A seismic wave is deviated by a weak zone. With the orientation of the weak zones in the MFS Faido a seismic wave is deviated towards the tunnels. The dynamic impact on a lining of a tunnel in front of a weak zone and exposed to a more or less unhindered micro tremors wave is considerably higher compared to the impact on a liner of a tunnel in the shelter of a weak zone. The specification of the design micro tremor for the MFS Faido is conservative. Excluding the additional loading due to a spontaneous stress drop in the direct vicinity of a tunnel there has been no need for improving (thickness, additional reinforcing) the linings designed for the static load case in the MFS Faido. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The authors thank the AlpTransit Gotthard for the permission to publish the paper.
REFERENCES 1. Hagedorn, H., Rehbock-Sander, M., Flury, S.,Gotthard Base Tunnel: State of the works and Special Aspects, Proc. Int. Symposium on

Kaiser, P.K., Vasak,P., Suorinemi, F.T. and Thibodeau, D. (2005). New dimensions in seismic data interpretation with 3-D virtual reality visualization in burst-prone ground, RaSiM6, Perth, Australia, 33 47 Heuze, F.E., Morris, J.P., Insights into ground shock in jointed rocks and the response of structures there-in, Int. Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences 44 (2007) 647-676 Harris, C.M., Crede, E.C., Shock and Vibration Handbook, McGraw-Hill, Book Company, ISBN 007-026799-5

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6.

BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS OF THE AUTHORS Heinz Hagedorn completed his study in civil engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) with a M.Sc. degree in 1969. From 1970 to 1979 he was working at ETH with the rock mechanics institute of Prof. K. Kovari. The activity consisted in developing a Finite Element program designed for underground structures and research activity in material testing and field measurement. Since 1979 he has been working with Amberg Engineering Ltd., Switzerland as a geotechnical expert. For numerous large underground constructions such as tunnels, caverns etc. in Switzerland and abroad he provided geotechnical expertise and consulting for design and during construction. Rolf Stadelmann obtained his M. Sc in Civil Engineering from the ETH Zurich, Switzerland in 1992. He specializes in general stability analyses, temporary & permanent excavation support systems, as well as in structural design of all types of tunnel lining. His core competence is also in the quality management for geotechnical analyses as well as in the development of Contractors alternatives. He has in-depth experiences in underground space design for all kinds of rock conditions. Since 2003 he is Head of Geotechnical Department of Amberg Engineering Ltd in Switzerland.

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