--- title: "Role of Geosynthetics in Tunnel Engineering" date: 2021-05-10 author: "Pawan Khatri" url: https://oceangeosynthetics.com/role-of-geosynthetics-in-tunnel-engineering/ --- May 10, 2021 | [Geosynthetics](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/geosynthetics/), [Insights](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/insights/) # Role of Geosynthetics in Tunnel Engineering [![Geosynthetics in Tunnel engineering](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Geosynthetics-in-Tunnel-engineering.jpg)](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/role-of-geosynthetics-in-tunnel-engineering/geosynthetics-in-tunnel-engineering/) Tunnels are defined as underground passageways. They are civil engineering structures passing through hills, rocks, or soil. Primarily, tunnels facilitate the transportation of passengers, freights, sewage, water, etc. Tunnel engineering is completely underground without disturbing the surface. The first tunnel dates back to the Egyptian and Babylonian eras about 4000 years ago. The tunnel connecting the royal palace to the temple was brick-lined and 910 m long. ***The role of geosynthetics in***[***tunnel engineering***](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/suitable_sectors/ground-engineering-and-tunneling/)***is manifold***. An absolute essential in engineering, geosynthetics find applications in transportation, geotechnical, and geo environmental engineering. There is heavy use of geosynthetics in tunnel engineering. ## Table of Contents ***Constantly striving to serve you better, you can count on Ocean Geosynthetics for all your tunnel engineering needs*** ## **Some interesting tunnel facts** Tunnels are engineering marvels that facilitate transportation. The *Gotthard Base Tunnel* running under the Swiss Alps is the *world’s longest and deepest tunnel*. Considered a civil engineering triumph, this tunnel connects northern and southern Europe. The *Seikan Tunnel in Japan*is yet another record-setting longest [railway](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/suitable_sectors/railways/) tunnel of 53.85 km. ## **What is tunneling/tunnel engineering?** Constructing a tunnel, the science and engineering associated with it is what [tunneling](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/solution/tunneling/) or tunnel engineering is all about. Various construction methods of tunneling include: - Cut and cover tunneling - Bored tunnel or mechanized tunneling construction is in situ without removal of ground above using the TBM or tunnel boring machine - Drill and blast, which is the conventional tunneling method The basic concept of tunneling or tunnel construction involves three steps: - Excavation (drilling/blasting) - Application of shotcrete (sprayed concrete) to protect and reinforce with rock bolts. - Concrete layering. Since tunneling is underground level, and the natural ground has some amount of groundwater, it is essential to provide waterproofing and a drainage system. In conventional tunnels, between the shotcrete and concrete layers is the waterproofing membrane and drainage. ## **Role of Geosynthetics in Tunnel Engineering** The two significant roles of geosynthetics in tunnel engineering are drainage and [waterproofing](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/suitable_sectors/waterproofing/). There is extensive use of [geomembranes](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/products/ocean-geomembrane/) and geotextiles in tunneling. When it comes to drainage, the capacity of geosynthetics deteriorates with issues like clogging, ground load, etc. Improper design and implementation lead to failures impeding the long-term performance of geosynthetics. **Hydraulic Tunnels**: Geomembranes find extensive use as a liner in hydraulic tunnels. Hydraulic tunnels that convey water are lined with steel, cast in situ, or shotcrete to provide structural stability and prevent water seepage. Over time, with use, voids and cracks develop in conventional linings, and geomembranes serve to minimize liner deterioration. Geomembranes are the most cost-effective and efficient solutions for waterproofing in the tunneling industry. **Transportation Tunnels**: Depending on groundwater ingress, tunnels are either waterproofed (sealed) or drained. The entire tunnel behavior is dependent on the project in question, the surrounding environmental impact, and the handling of groundwater. Geosynthetics help with both the waterproofing as well as drainage/filtration. ## **Advantages of using Geosynthetics in tunnel engineering** - The low permeability of geotextiles and geomembranes is excellent for waterproofing. - Easy to deploy in any configuration, horizontal, vertical, or overhead, and with high elongation strength, they bridge old and new cracks. - Resistant to swelling, rotting, aging, puncture, and chemicals, they combat various weather conditions. - The ease of installation is also time-saving. - There is no cross-sectional area reduction since geomembranes are thin and do not compromise the tunnel diameter. - Highly durable and reliable even under high hydraulic pressure - Geosynthetics also help with the rehab and repair of old tunnels ***With stringent product testing and extensive research in place, Ocean Geosynthetics is the brand you can trust for projects requiring geosynthetics in tunnel engineering.***[***Contact us***](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/contact/)***, to discuss your next project.*** Get Ocean Geosynthetics in your Google feed[![](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/google-g-logo.svg)Add us as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=https://oceangeosynthetics.com/) [![Construction workers in a tunnel. Workers in safety gear stand by a tunnel entrance.](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/geosynthetics-in-indias-tunnel-construction-boom-1785218250727-300x200.webp)](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/geosynthetics-in-tunnel-construction/) [Geosynthetics](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/geosynthetics/) [Geosynthetics in India’s Tunnel Construction Boom: Zojila, Bullet Train and Beyond](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/geosynthetics-in-tunnel-construction/) India is boring through its mountains at a scale and speed the country has never seen. 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The overwhelming demand has led to unprecedented use of existing sports… [See More](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/turnkey-sports-project-dehradun-case-study/) [![Geomembrane for Rainwater Harvesting](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Geomembrane37-300x225.jpg)](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/geosynthetics-the-way-forward-for-sustainable-waste-management/) [Geosynthetics](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/geosynthetics/), [Insights](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/category/insights/) [Geosynthetics, the way forward for Sustainable Waste Management](https://oceangeosynthetics.com/geosynthetics-the-way-forward-for-sustainable-waste-management/) About fifty years back, the waste management scenario was very different. 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