Excavation investigation of Karşıyaka tunnels

ABSTRACT İzmir is the third biggest city in Turkey that has the population of more than 3.5 million. There has been a rapid increase in traffic system because of the growing population as it is seen in an over the country. This reality brings the necessity of construction of new motorways for their driving safety and comfort. In addition to Istanbul-Ankara, Pozanti-Adana-Mersin-İskenderun, İzmir-Çeşme motorways, İzmir- Aydm Motorway and İzmir Ring Road construction were started in 1990 and it was planned to be finished in 2000. Selattinler (approx. 3 km long) and Karşıyaka (approx. 2 km long) Tunnels have been constructed as a part of Aydın-İzmir Motorway and İzmir Ring Road. Those tunnels were constructed by the New Austria Tunnelling Method, which has being used all over the world since its technological in tunnelling. In this study, Application and success of New Austria Tunnelling Method for Karşıyaka Tunnels, general geology of tunnels, general structure of machineries used in tunnels excavation, were studied. In addition, The Uniaxial Compressive Strength of the rock was compared with the results obtained from company's original experiments. Additionally, the experiments done in the planning stage of the tunnels have been analysed. On the other hand, for different formations, scheduling studies have been performed and excavation speeds, efficiencies and idle time distribution was investigated. The blast pattern was taken under control from the initiative of workers and new blasting pattern was applied. The operations in excavation and their quality have been investigated at construction site.