Abstract:

In the paper, the advantages of tunnels and underground works in terms of environment protection and the damage of tunnels and underground works on the environment (including water and soil loss, ground surface subsidence, blasting vibration, waste mucks, waste liquid and exhausted air) are analyzed. Then, the following countermeasures are proposed to minimize the adverse effect of tunnels on the environment: 1) The cost of the project should be increased and the design and construction standard of the project should be improved appropriately; 2) In the design and construction of the project, the water environment should be well investigated, the water resources should be well protected and the geological probing and prediction should be emphasized; 3) The conventional strategy of “sectionalized driving of long tunnels” should be reevaluated; 4) The mechanization and profession level of the construction of tunnels and underground works should be improved dramatically; 5) All the wastes should not be discharged until they have met relevant standards, and the construction materials should be free of pollution; 6) Complete disaster prevention and rescue facilities and complete management system must be provided. It is hoped that relevant parities should pay more attention on the environment issues of tunnels and underground works so as to realize active development of tunnels and underground works, rational utilizing of tunnels and underground works, elaborate construction of tunnels and underground works and scientific operation and management of tunnels and underground works.

Key words: tunnels and underground works, environment protection, energy saving and emission reduction