Investigation of The Effectiveness of Blasting Patterns in Tunnel Excavations: The Case of The Sarıyer - Kilyos Tunnel

Year 2025, Volume: 17 Issue: 2, 472 - 497, 15.07.2025

Meltem Dogan Karaca , Süleyman Onur Karaca , Osman Murat Sarsilmaz

https://doi.org/10.29137/ijerad.1635246

Abstract

A twin-tube tunnel, approximately 6900 meters in length, is planned within The Sarıyer - Kilyos Connection Road. The excavation of tunnels in various geological formations will be carried out using a hybrid approach, employing both the NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method) and TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) techniques. The first TBM push will be performed within a Cavern structure, manufactured inside the tunnel, which is uncommon in size globally. This study aims to examine the geological structure, soil surveys, temporary support calculations, and applied support elements for the NATM tunnels located on the main tunnel, compare the rock classes predicted during the design phase with those encountered during construction, and propose new blasting design solutions based on tunnel face data, addressing issues experienced during the application of the blasting pattern. The study includes alignment data, tunnel section, geology and geotechnical parameters, excavation support analysis methods, excavation techniques, support element applications, temporary and permanent drainage systems, predicted blasting patterns, and optimal blasting designs based on trial blasts. The findings highlight the differences between the predicted and encountered rock classes during excavation, and revisions to blasting patterns in response to varying rock properties. The impact of design changes on blasting performance, costs, preparation, blasting, and excavation removal times is also discussed.

Keywords

NATM Rock Class, Temporary Support System, Drill and Blast System, Blasting Pattern Design, Blasting Material, Tunnel Boring Machine

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