Geophysics and Tunneling - the how and the why: a focus on the why

Tunnels should be constructed, maintained and used without neglecting the basic principia of Occupational Safety and Health (OS&H), environmental protection and economic efficiency, this involves a Prevention through Design approach both from the very first steps of the project, and during the tunneling operations. A number of parameters essential for a correct Risk Assessment and Management (RAM) should be identified and carefully evaluated during the various phases of the analysis, and the time response of geophysics can become critical during the tunneling operations. However, many of these parameters are “hidden into the mountain” and difficult to identify with the desired detail. This problem can affect the quality of the result, and cause accidents and work stoppages, with consequent dramatic economic losses. In the Authors’ opinion, only a multidisciplinary approach can contribute to solve the problem. The already consolidated contribution of Geophysics plays an important role, and represents an efficient means for a more efficient definition of design parameters. Future developments in the research work in Geophysics are quite advisable and precious for a more efficient predictive RAM, both at the preliminary phase, and during the tunneling operations, particularly if a fast response will become achievable.