Continuum and discontinuum modelling in tunnel engineering

Thc paper discusses continuum and discontinuum modelling in tunnel engineering. A bricf rcview of fundamentals is presented in connection with the use of closed formsolutions and computer bascd methods. A few remarks are derived on the choice of either continuum or discontinuum modelling of rock mass behaviour at the design analysis stage. Consideration is given to the validation of discontinuum modelling in connection with rock mass classification methods and cxpected tunnel response to excavation. A wse study of a TBM tunnel (4.75 m diameter) in quartzitic micaschists is discussed in detail by paying attention to a comparison of modelling methods including continuum and discontinuum modeling applied at a fault zone. str. 45-57