Study on the application of a comprehensive technique for geological prediction in tunneling

The technique of geological prediction, based on which geological conditions can be known in advance to improve construction progress, is widely adopted during tunnel excavation. Because of the problems associated with current, single-method prediction techniques, a comprehensive technique combining engineering geophysical exploration with engineering geology is proposed in this study. This method could make excavation more economical and safer by improving the accuracy of such predictions. It uses engineering geophysical exploration measures such as tunnel seismic prediction (TSP) to detect the geological conditions ahead, and measures the investigation and deduces the precise results either in the tunnel or on the surface. Compared with single-method techniques, its advantages include high resolution, speed, ease of use, and low cost. By comparing the application of the various techniques and a successful example of application of technique TSP203 with the measures of investigation and deduction in engineering geology, we show the superiority of the proposed comprehensive method and its favorable prospects. This contribution also provides a new concept for the development of tunnel geological prediction techniques.