A Study on cross-section design to ensure the traffic safety for road tunnels in urban and rural areas

Abstract

The road tunnel is a transportation structure that requires a high design service life, aiming for safe and efficient construction while minimizing risks and accelerating progress. Its operation and maintenance must ensure traffic capacity, safety levels, and cost-effective investment. Therefore, the study of cross-sectional design for road tunnels (including urban and rural tunnels) must meet the technical, safety and economic requirements based on geological and topographical conditions, as well as the regional characteristics, construction methods (such as the New Austrian Tunneling Method - NATM, Tunnel Boring Machine - TBM, and Immersed Tunnel), with the operational objectives. This approac enables the proposal of an optimal tunnel cross-section that ensures the safe movement of traffic vehicles.

Keyword: NATM; TBM; Immersed tunnel; cross-section.