• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.397-419
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• 2012

The pressurizing support tunneling method has been developed that overcomes shortcomings of conventional trenchless methods and applied to the field. The main concept of the new method is the pressurization system which, by means of pressurization bag between outer flange of steel ribs and excavated perimeter, applies higher pressure than the pressure relaxed by excavation to the ground to prevent ground displacement. The stability of the support members and effect of displacement control of the new method were verified through 3D numerical analyses. The new method was applied to the construction of a 10.7 m wide, 7.9 m high and 85 m long ramp tunnel that passes under ${\bigcirc}{\bigcirc}$ Expressway. By applying the new method, the tunnel construction was successfully completed in 13.5 months which decreases construction time to 35% compared to conventional methods, and ground displacement was almost negligible.