Abstract:

The present classification of tunnel construction technologies has such disadvantages as confusion and lack of conception and incomplete and unscientific classification of construction technologies. The author analyses the evolution and great importance of tunnel construction technology rules and divides the evolution of tunneling technology into 3 periods, i.e., mining method period, New Austria Tunneling Method period and recreation period. The author expounds on the conception, theory, key points and major characteristics of these 3 periods. Then, the author proposes the "nonshield method". The technology rules of the "nonshield method" are as follows: allround environmental protection, planned countermeasures, feasible methods, informationaided management, earlyclosure of lining ring and perfect load bearing structure. Finally, the author provides his proposal on classification of commonlyused tunnel construction methods.

Key words: tunnel construction technology, technology rule, mining method, New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), Norwegian Method of Tunneling (NMT), ADECORS, nonshield tunneling method