This work illustrates how the Analysis of Controlled Deformation in Rocks and Soils (ADECO-RS) is used in the design and the construction of tunnels.

The ADECO-RS approach makes a clear distinction between the design and the construction stages and allows reliable forecasts of construction times and costs to be made. It uses the advance core (the core of ground ahead of the face) as a structural tool for the long and short term stabilisation of tunnels, after its rigidity has first been regulated using conservation techniques. Tunnels can consequently be driven in difficult stress-strain conditions to predetermined safety standards with operations industrialised and scheduled precisely.

Thanks to this approach design engineers have been able to employ industrial criteria in tunnel excavation, even under extremely difficult stress-strain conditions.

• The dynamics of tunnel advance
• The deformation response of the medium to excavation
• Analysis of the deformation response according to the ADECO-RS approach
• Control of the deformation response according to the ADECO-RS approach
• The analysis of controlled deformation in rocks and soils
• The Design Stage
• The survey phase
• The diagnosis phase
• The therapy phase
• The Construction Stage
• The operational phase
• The monitoring phase
• Final considerations

• App. A The design and construction of tunnels for the new Rome-Naples high speed/capacity railway line
• App. B The design and construction of tunnels for the new Bologna-Florence high speed/capacity railway line
• App. C The Tartaiguille tunnel
• App. D Cellular arch technology
• App. E Artificial Ground Overburdens (A.G.O.)
• App. F Portals in difficult ground
• App. G Widening road, motorway and railway tunnels without interrupting use