Maintenance and Inspection of Tunnel Drainage Systems
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Tunnel Drainage Engineering course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Advanced Certificate in Tunnel Drainage Engineering #
A certificate program that provides advanced knowledge and training in the design, construction, maintenance, and inspection of tunnel drainage systems.
Active Drainage Systems #
Drainage systems that use mechanical or electrical means to actively remove water from a tunnel, such as pumps or siphons.
Backfill #
The material used to fill the space between the tunnel lining and the surrounding soil or rock, often made of gravel, sand, or concrete.
Concrete Lining #
A waterproof membrane made of concrete that is used to line the interior of a tunnel to prevent water ingress.
Catchment Area #
The total area of land that drains into a particular tunnel or drainage system.
Collector Drains #
Drains that collect water from the tunnel lining and convey it to a central drainage system.
Convergence #
The inward movement of the tunnel lining due to the weight of the surrounding soil or rock.
De #
watering: The process of removing water from the ground around a tunnel during construction.
Drainage Channel #
A channel or trench that is used to collect and convey water from a tunnel.
Drainage Sumps #
Low points in a tunnel where water collects and is removed by pumps.
Epoxy Coating #
A protective coating made of epoxy resin that is applied to the interior of a tunnel to prevent water ingress.
French Drains #
A type of drainage system that uses a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel to collect and convey water.
Groundwater #
Water that is located beneath the ground surface, often in aquifers.
Hydrostatic Pressure #
The pressure exerted by a column of water, often measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
Infiltration #
The process of water entering a tunnel through cracks or joints in the lining.
Inspection #
The process of examining a tunnel drainage system to ensure that it is functioning properly and to identify any potential issues.
Interceptor Drains #
Drains that are used to intercept and divert water from the tunnel lining before it can enter the drainage system.
Maintenance #
The process of regularly inspecting and repairing a tunnel drainage system to ensure that it continues to function properly.
Passive Drainage Systems #
Drainage systems that rely on gravity to remove water from a tunnel, such as weep holes or drainage channels.
Permeability #
The ability of a material to allow water to pass through it, often measured in Darcy units.
Pump Stations #
Facilities used to house and operate pumps for removing water from a tunnel or drainage system.
Risk Assessment #
The process of identifying and evaluating potential hazards and risks associated with a tunnel drainage system.
Seepage #
The slow movement of water through a material, often due to pressure differences.
Silt Fence #
A temporary barrier made of fabric that is used to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation during construction.
Soil Nail Wall #
A reinforced soil wall used to stabilize the soil around a tunnel, often made of steel or aluminum bars.
Specifications #
Detailed instructions and requirements for the design, construction, and maintenance of a tunnel drainage system.
Spile #
A small hole or pipe that is used to drain water from a tunnel or drainage system.
Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) #
A large, specialized machine used to excavate tunnels, often equipped with a rotating cutting head and a conveyor system.
Uplift #
The force exerted on the tunnel lining by groundwater, often measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
Weep Holes #
Small holes or openings in the tunnel lining that are used to drain water from the interior of the tunnel.
Waterproofing #
The process of applying a waterproof membrane or coating to the interior or exterior of a tunnel to prevent water ingress.
Wick Drains #
A type of drainage system that uses a strip of fabric or geotextile material to convey water from the soil to a drainage layer.
Zone of Influence #
The area around a tunnel that is affected by the tunnel's construction, often measured in terms of ground movement or settlement.