An Overview of Mined Tunnel Design in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Constraints and Optimizations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21467/proceedings.7.7.16Abstract
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has experienced a significant increase in civil engineering projects, driven by the government’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and improve national infrastructure. The paper highlights key considerations addressed the authors in the project practices that distinguish tunnel designs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) from typical tunnel projects in Hong Kong. These include unique geological, geotechnical and seismic considerations. Additionally, it explores the use of different rock mass classification approaches in local tunnel design, and section geometry optimization strategies. The study also addresses environmental and aesthetic considerations in KSA tunnel design projects, emphasizing the importance of balancing technical requirements with broader social and environmental impacts. This paper underscores how international consultants contribute to advancing best practices in tunnel design and construction within KSA’s dynamic engineering landscape.
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