ABSTRACT
In order to achieve more adequate and economical solutions to overcome the topographic and geotechnical conditions, a large spectrum of innovative structural tunnel solutions were developed.
The great number of tunnels is a result of the geomorphology which imposes important restraints. While the European Directive (European Parliament, 2004) defines a maximum longitudinal pendant of 5% (except where geographically impossible), in Madeira exist tunnels with pendants from 8,5% (Pontinha tunnel) to a maximum of 13% (Pestana Júnior tunnel).
