ABSTRACT
The paper analyses the feasibility of a developing a mountainous road tunnel between the Theodoriana and Melissourgoi, two mountainous villages located at the area of Central Tzoumerka, Epirus, Greece. The principle geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical characteristics of the wider area are analyzed, followed by the identification of alternative tunnel alignments to achieve the optimal construction and operational characteristics of the project. The preliminary design of the tunnel follows, including the assessment of the tunnel’s layout and overall geometrical characteristics and proposed construction method. Detailed numerical analysis is performed for the design of the tunnel primary support measures and the requirements for the permanent tunnel lining are defined, along with all required E&M installations. A preliminary evaluation of the construction cost is made along with the assessment of the direct and indirect socio-economic benefits that can be created by the proposed solution. The latter is given by taking into account a series of alternatives solutions in terms their respective cost, ability to provide ease of passage, environmental performance and finally socio-economic benefits to the population of the area.
