ABSTRACT
A customized and extensive rock reinforcement solution needs to be designed when the rock mass load-bearing capacity is exceeded. The customized reinforcement can be in the form of shotcrete arches. Currently there are no compiled descriptions, nor stringent guidelines or suggested calculation methods for the design of shotcrete arches within the Swedish tunnelling industry, despite the large cost of excavation through weak rock masses. The aim of the work is to increase the knowledge of the design process of shotcrete arches. The compilation of information has been through literature review, site visit combined with qualitative interviews with 24 experienced practitioners within the field of design and building of shotcrete arches. The paper will therefore help share what design methodologies that are currently in use regarding shotcrete arches in the industry in Sweden and what the most common challenges are, both in the design and execution phases respectively.
