A case study on rock damage prediction and control method for underground tunnels subjected to adjacent excavation blasting

The effects of tunnel blast excavation on the surrounding rock mass and the lining systems of adjacent existing tunnels are comprehensively studied for the Damaoshan highway tunnel project as a case study. The damage of the surrounding rock and the lining system under different blast loads are analyzed by field tests and numerical simulations. It is observed that the rock damage extent around the tunnels linearly increases with the peak particle velocity (PPV) of the existing tunnel. A feasible PPV-based damage control method is then proposed for different portions of the tunnels. For the Damaoshan tunnel project, a PPV threshold of 0.22 m/s in the adjacent existing tunnel is prescribed to limit the damage extent to approximately 1.6 m at the tunnel exit and entrance portions. Furthermore, the PPV criteria for the other portions are also determined accordingly. It is also shown that no failure occurs in the linings or at the rock–lining interfaces if the PPV is less than 0.30 m/s. The control method and the threshold PPV proposed in this study have been successfully applied to restrict blast-induced damage during the new tunnel excavation of the Damaoshan tunnel project.     

Study on the influence of joint spacing on rock fragmentation under TBM cutter by linear cutting test

Joint spacing is one of the most important geological factors influencing rock fragmentation by TBM cutters and TBM performance. In order to study the influence of joint spacing, full-scale linear cutting tests have been conducted for the Beishan granite samples with different joint spacing (i.e. one intact sample, two jointed samples with joint spacing of 100 mm and 400 mm). For different joint spacing, the influence of penetration depth on rock fragmentation was also explored by varying the penetration depth with an interval of 0.5 mm. During the test process, the three directional forces acting on the TBM cutter were recorded, and the rock chips formed by each cutting pass were weighed, respectively. By analysing the cutting force, crack initiation/propagation and rock chips, the influences of joint spacing on rock fragmentation process by TBM cutter were investigated. The test results showed that the increase of penetration depth cannot improve the TBM breakage efficiency after reaching a certain value for the intact rock sample, and the normal force for intruding the intact rock is larger than that for intruding the rock jointed samples. It is also found that the sample part below the joint plane is intact, thus joint can restrain the crack propagating cross the joint plane and facilitates the chips formation on the cutting surface. For the rock sample with joint spacing of 100 mm, two rock fragmentation modes were found during the cutting process. One mode is that the cracks initiate from the crushed zone under TBM cutter, and the cracks propagate to the joint plane, consequently form large rock chips. The other one is that the cracks initiate from the joint plane and then propagate to the rock cutting surface, and the cracks initiate before the formation of the crushed zone under the cutter. For the rock sample with joint spacing of 400 mm, there are two rock fragmentation stages, i.e., the normal rock fragmentation stage and the joint-controlled rock fragmentation stage. There is a transitional process between these two stages, and also the median crack can be promoted to propagate vertically to joint plane due to the joint existence. This study can provide useful guidance for operation optimization and performance prediction for TBM operating in jointed rock masses.     

Centrifuge modelling of tunnel face reinforcement using forepoling

This paper investigates the effect of forepoles on stability of tunnel face and unsupported length during tunnel excavation in clay beds. Forepoles were modelled using 1 mm diameter brass rods. The tests were conducted using 65 mm diameter model tunnels with a flexible face at 100g centrifuge environment. The unsupported length of the tunnel varied between 1 and 1.5 times the tunnel diameter in different tests. The results seem to suggest that forepoles influence to reduce the length of settlement trough ahead of the tunnel face. However, width of the settlement trough remained unaffected. Excess negative pore pressures after collapse were noted to decrease with distance ahead of the tunnel face and increase with depth from the surface up to the tunnel axis. However, scatter in the measured data points suggest that the tunnel stability depends not only on the unsupported length of the tunnel but also on the length of forepoles. It is difficult to include these effects in the simple plasticity solution framework wherein the soil structure interaction is ignored.     

The effect of principal stress orientation on tunnel stability

In order to investigate the effect of principal stress orientation on the stability of regular tunnels and cracked tunnels, experiments by using square specimens with a centralized small tunnel were conducted, and the corresponding numerical study as well as photoelastic study were implemented. Two kinds of materials, cement mortar and sandstone, were used to make tunnel models, and three types of tunnel models were studied, i.e. (1) regular tunnel models loaded by different orientation’s principal stresses, (2) tunnel models with various orientation’s radial cracks in the spandrel under compression, and (3) tunnel models with a fixed radial crack loaded by various orientation’s principal stresses. In the numerical study, the stress intensity factors of the radial cracks were calculated, and the results agree well with the test results. For regular tunnels, when the angle θ between the major principal stress and the tunnel symmetrical axis is 45°, the corresponding tunnel is the most unfavorable; for tunnels with a radial crack in the spandrel, when the angle β between the crack and the tunnel wall is 135°, the corresponding tunnel is the most unfavorable; for tunnels with a β = 130° radial crack, when θ = 0° or θ = 70°, the compressive strengths of the tunnel models are comparatively low, whereas when θ = 90°, it is the highest.     

Numerical simulation of a jointed rock block mechanical behavior adjacent to an underground excavation and comparison with physical model test results

Mechanical behavior of a jointed rock mass with non-persistent joints located adjacent to a free surface on the wall of an excavation was simulated under without and with support stress on the free surface using approximately 0.5 m cubical synthetic jointed rock blocks having 9 non-persistent joints of length 0.5 m, width 0.1 m and a certain orientation arranged in an en echelon and a symmetrical pattern using PFC^3D software package. The joint orientation was changed from one block to another to study the effect of joint orientation on strength, deformability and failure modes of the jointed blocks. First the micro-mechanical parameters of the PFC^3D model were calibrated using the macro mechanical properties of the synthetic intact standard cylindrical specimens and macro mechanical properties of a limited number of physical experiments performed on synthetic jointed rock blocks of approximately 0.5 m cubes. Under no support stress, the synthetic jointed rock blocks exhibited the same three failure modes: (a) intact rock failure, (b) step-path failure and (c) planar failure under both physical experiments and numerical simulations for different orientations. The jointed blocks which failed under intact rock failure mode and planar or step-path failure mode produced high and low jointed block strengths, respectively. Three phases of convergence of free surface were discovered. The joint orientation and support stress played important roles on convergence magnitude. The average increment of jointed block strength turned out to be about 10, 7.9 and 6.6 times the support stress when support stresses of 0.06 MPa, 0.20 MPa and 0.40 MPa were applied, respectively. The modeling results offer some guideline in support design for underground excavations.     

Acoustic emission monitoring of rockbursts during TBM-excavated headrace tunneling at Jinping Ⅱ hydropower station

To better understand the mechanical properties of marble at Jinping II hydropower station, this paper examines the changes of brittle rocks in excavation damaged zones(EDZs) before and after excavation of tunnel with the tunnel boring machine(TBM). The paper attempts to employ the acoustic emission(AE) to study the AE characteristics and distribution of rockburst before and after TBM-excavated tunnel. It is known that the headrace tunnel #2, excavated by the drill-and-blast(D&B) method, is ahead of the headrace tunnel #3 that is excavated by TBM method. The experimental sub-tunnel #2–1, about 2000 m in depth and 13 m in diameter, between the two tunnels is scheduled. In the experimental sub-tunnel #2–1, a large number of experimental boreholes are arranged, and AE sensors are installed within 10 m apart from the wall of the headrace tunnel #3. By tracking the microseismic signals in rocks, the location, frequency, quantity, scope and intensity of the microseismic signals are basically identifed. It is observed that the AE signals mainly occur within 5 m around the rock wall, basically lasting for one day before tunnel excavation and a week after excavation. Monitoring results indicate that the rockburst signals are closely related to rock stress adjustment. The rock structure has a rapid self-adjustment capacity before and after a certain period of time during tunneling. The variations of rock stresses would last for a long time before reaching a fnal steady state. Based on this, the site-specifc support parameters for the deep tunnels can be accordingly optimized.     

Time-dependent behavior of tunnel lining in weak rock mass based on displacement back analysis method

Weak rock mass behavior is an important and challenging consideration during construction and utilization of a tunnel. Tunnel surrounding ground deformation in weak rocks causes to gradual development of loading on the support system and threats the opening stability. In this research, time-dependent behavior of Shibli twin tunnels was investigated using laboratory testing, monitoring data, and finite difference numerical simulation approaches. The host rock of Shibli tunnels are mainly composed of gray to black Shale, Marl and calcareous Shale. Geological maps and reports demonstrate a heavily jointed condition in the host rock through two orogenic phases. The experiment was organized in following order to understand the behavior of the rock mass around the tunnels. At first, triaxial creep test were conducted on intact rock specimens. Then, the time-dependent behavior of the tunnel host rock was numerically simulated considering Burger-creep visco-plastic model (CVISC). Finally, displacement based direct back analysis using univariate optimization algorithm was applied. Also, the properties of the CVISC model and initial stress ratio were estimated. Numerical modeling was verified by its comparison with tunnel displacement monitoring results. The creep behavior of the rock mass was predicted during tunnel service life based on back analysis results. Results show that thrust force, bending moment, and the resulting axial stresses will gradually increase at the spring line of the final lining. After 55 years of tunnel utilization the compressive strengths of lining concrete will not be stable against the induced-stresses by thrust force and bending moment, thus the tunnel inspection and rehabilitation are recommended.     

Correlation of rock cutting tests with field performance of a TBM in a highly fractured rock formation: A case study in Kozyatagi-Kadikoy metro tunnel,Turkey

This paper presents and discusses detailed field and laboratory studies concerning boreability prediction of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) used in Kozyatagi-Kadikoy metro tunnels in Istanbul in a highly fractured rock formation. The determination of some design parameters and performance prediction of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) are carried out using full-scale rock cutting test. The intact rock samples having minimum sizes of 1.0 × 0.7 × 0.7 m are obtained from shale and limestone (Kartal Formation) along the tunnel line. The rock samples are subjected to full-scale laboratory rock cutting tests with different depth of cut and cutter spacing values using a constant cross section (CCS) disc cutter of 330 mm in diameter. Cutter forces, i.e., thrust force, rolling force and specific energy values are recorded for each cut. The results of the tests are first used to calculate TBM design and performance parameters such as torque and thrust requirements and cutting rates. In the second part of the research, the field performance of the TBM is recorded with the aid of data acquisition system installed within TBM and the predicted performance and design values obtained from full-scale rock cutting tests are compared with the field values. It is observed that fractured characteristics of the rock formation affect tremendously TBM performance and predicted values differ from the field data in some extend. It is believed that the results will serve as a guide for efficient selection and use of TBMs.     

Performance characteristics of tunnel boring machine in basalt and pyroclastic rocks of Deccan traps–A case study简

A 12.24 km long tunnel between Maroshi and Ruparel College is being excavated by tunnel boring machine (TBM) to improve the water supply system of Greater Mumbai, India. In this paper, attempt has been made to establish the relationship between various litho-units of Deccan traps, stability of tunnel and TBM performances during the construction of 5.83 km long tunnel between Maroshi and Vakola. The Maroshi–Vakola tunnel passes under the Mumbai Airport and crosses both runways with an overburden cover of around 70 m. The tunneling work was carried out without disturbance to the ground. The rock types encountered during excavation are fine compacted basalt, porphyritic basalt, amygdaloidal basalt, pyroclastic rocks with layers of red boles and intertrappean beds consisting of various types of shales. Relations between rock mass properties, physico-mechanical properties, TBM specifications and the corresponding TBM performance were established. A number of support systems installed in the tunnel during excavation were also discussed. The aim of this paper is to establish, with appropriate accuracy, the nature of subsurface rock mass condition and to study how it will react to or behave during underground excavation by TBM. The experiences gained from this project will increase the ability to cope with unexpected ground conditions during tunneling using TBM.     

Critical embedment length and bond strength of fully encapsulated rebar rockbolts

A series of rock bolt pull tests were carried out in the laboratory to determine the critical embedment length of a specific type of fully cement-grouted rebar bolt. The rebar bolt is 20 mm in diameter, and it is widely used in underground excavations in Norway. Three water-cement (w/c) ratios were used in the tests. It was discovered that the critical embedment length of the rock bolts was approximately 25 cm for the water-cement ratio 0.40 (the corresponding uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of the grout is 37 MPa), 32 cm for the ratio 0.46 (UCS 32 MPa), and 36 cm for the ratio 0.50 (UCS 28 MPa), for the specific type of cement, Rescon zinc rock bolt cement. It was found that the bond strength of the rock bolt is not a constant but is related to the embedment length. The bond strength was linearly proportional to the UCS of the grout.     

Critical strain and squeezing of rock mass in tunnels

The squeezing of tunnels is a common phenomenon in poor rock masses under high in situ stress conditions. The critical strain parameter is an indicator that allows the degree of squeezing potential to be quantified. It is defined as the strain level on the tunnel periphery beyond which instability and squeezing problems are likely to occur. Presently, in the literature, the value of critical strain is generally taken as 1%. It is shown in this study that the critical strain is an anisotropic property and that it depends on the properties of the intact rock and the joints in the rock mass. A correlation of critical strain with the uniaxial compressive strength, tangent modulus of intact rock and the field modulus of the jointed mass is suggested in this paper. It is also suggested that the modulus of deformation being anisotropic in nature should be obtained from field tests. In absence of field tests, use of a classification approach is recommended, and, expressions are suggested for critical strain in terms of rock mass quality Q. A rational classification based on squeezing index (SI) is proposed to identify and quantify the squeezing potential in tunnels. Applicability of the approach is demonstrated through application to 30 case histories from the field.     

Reducing risk in long deep tunnels by using TBM and drill-and-blast methods in the same project-the hybrid solution

There are many examples of TBM tunnels through mountains,or in mountainous terrain,which have suffered the ultimate fate of abandonment,due to insufficient pre-investigation.Depth-of-drilling limitatio...     

Load transfer mechanism in pile group due to single tunnel advancement in stiff clay

Construction of tunnels in urban cities may induce excessive settlement and tilting of nearby existing pile foundations. Various studies reported in the literature have investigated the tunnel–soil–pile interaction by means of field monitoring, centrifuge and numerical modelling. However, the load transfer mechanism between piles in a group, the induced settlement and the tilting of a pile group due to tunnel advancement has not been investigated systematically and is not well understood. This study conducts three-dimensional, coupled-consolidation finite element analyses to investigate tunnelling effects on an existing 2 × 2 pile group. The construction of a 6 m diameter (D) tunnel in saturated stiff clay is simulated. Responses of the pile group located at a clear distance of 2.1 m (0.35D) from a tunnel constructed at three different cover-to-diameter-of-tunnel ratios (C/D) of 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 are investigated. The computed results are compared to published data based on field monitoring. It is found that the most critical stage for settlement, tilting and induced bending moment of pile group due to tunnelling is when the tunnel face is close to the pile group rather than at the end of tunnel excavation. The depth of the tunnel relative to the pile group has a vital influence on the settlement, tilting of pile group and the load transfer mechanism between piles in pile group induced by tunnel excavation. Tunnelling near the mid-depth of the pile group (i.e. C/D = 1.5) induces the largest bending moment in the piles, but the settlement and tilting of the pile group are relatively small. Based on a settlement criterion, apparent loss of capacity of the pile group is 14% and 23% for tunnels constructed at depths of C/D = 1.5 and at both C/D = 2.5 and 3.5, respectively. The largest load redistribution between the front and rear piles in the group and the largest tilting of the pile cap towards the tunnel occurs when tunnel excavated at C/D = 2.5.     

The excavation of a circular tunnel in a bedded argillaceous rock (Opalinus Clay): Short-term rock mass response and FDEM numerical analysis

The Opalinus Clay formation is currently being investigated as a potential host rock for the deep geological disposal of radioactive waste in Switzerland. Recently, a test tunnel was excavated at the Mont Terri underground rock laboratory (URL) as part of a long-term research project (“Full-scale Emplacement (FE) experiment”) aimed at studying the thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) effects induced by the presence of an underground repository. The objective of this paper is twofold. Firstly, the results of the rock mass monitoring programme carried out during the construction of the 3 m diameter, 50 m long FE tunnel are presented, with particular focus on the short-term deformation response. The deformation measurements, including geodetic monitoring of tunnel wall displacements, radial extensometers and longitudinal inclinometers, indicate a strong directionality in the excavation response. Secondly, the deformational behaviour observed in the field is analyzed using a hybrid finite-discrete element (FDEM) analysis to obtain further insights into the formation of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ). The FDEM simulation using the Y-Geo code is calibrated based on the average short-term response observed in the field. Deformation and strength anisotropy are captured using a transversely isotropic, linear elastic constitutive law and cohesive elements with orientation-dependent strength parameters. Overall, a good agreement is obtained between convergences measured in the field and numerical results. The simulated EDZ formation process highlights the importance of bedding planes in controlling the failure mechanisms around the underground opening. Specifically, failure initiates due to shearing of bedding planes critically oriented with respect to the compressive circumferential stress induced around the tunnel. Slippage-induced rock mass deconfinement then promotes extensional fracturing in the direction perpendicular to the bedding orientation. The simulated fracture pattern is consistent with previous experimental evidence from the Mont Terri URL.     

Determination of support pressure for tunnels and caverns using block theory

The estimation of support requirements to stabilize underground structures is of prime importance for rational design of these structures. The characterizing parameters of rock mass may vary with depth. Determination of these parameters by drilled cores and Ground-Probing-Radar (GPR) is difficult and expensive due to anisotropy of rock mass. Laboratory testing is also expensive. Also the in situ conditions are difficult to simulate in the laboratory. The designer is thus resorting to empirical methods and analytical methods to determine these parameters. Often, the analytical techniques may mesmerize the designer to feel the problem and its solution on the screen of the computer. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop algorithm based on Block Theory with geological information & mechanical properties of rock for determining the rock pressure. Limitations of this technique are number of joint sets not less than three and width of the opening up to 25 m. The algorithm determines all the wedges formed at a time by 3, 4, 5, 6, …, n joint planes with excavation plane responsible for manifestation of rock pressure at roof/wall. All the permutations and combinations for wedge formation can be considered in this respect. Rock pressure for design is determined for reinforcement of the underground openings. Spacing of rock bolts is found out as an additional feature. The alignment of the opening for optimal reinforcement can also be determined. Case history of Tehri Power House, India is taken up for analysis. The empirical correlations developed by Goel (1994) are used for comparative study. It was found that no appreciable rock pressure was developed at walls. Roof pressure is determined to be 140 kPa, which is almost same as observed. It is thus established that block theory may be applicable for design criterion up to depth of 500 m.     

Estimation of deformation and stiffness of fractures close to tunnels using data from single-hole hydraulic testing and grouting

Sealing of tunnels in fractured rocks is commonly performed by pre- or post-excavation grouting. The grouting boreholes are frequently drilled close to the tunnel wall, an area where rock stresses can be low and fractures can more easily open up during grout pressurization. In this paper we suggest that data from hydraulic testing and grouting can be used to identify grout-induced fracture opening, to estimate fracture stiffness of such fractures, and to evaluate its impact on the grout performance. A conceptual model and a method are presented for estimating fracture stiffness. The method is demonstrated using grouting data from four pre-excavation grouting boreholes at a shallow tunnel (50 m) in Nygård, Sweden, and two post-excavation grouting boreholes at a deep tunnel (450 m) in Äspö HRL, Sweden. The estimated stiffness of intersecting fractures for the boreholes at the shallow Nygård tunnel are low (2–5 GPa/m) and in agreement with literature data from field experiments at other fractured rock sites. Higher stiffness was obtained for the deeper tunnel boreholes at Äspö which is reasonable considering that generally higher rock stresses are expected at greater depths. Our method of identifying and evaluating the properties and impact of deforming fractures might be most applicable when grouting takes place in boreholes adjacent to the tunnel wall, where local stresses might be low and where deforming (opening) fractures may take most of the grout.     

Enhancement of the tensile strengths of rock and shotcrete by thin spray-on liners

Thin spray-on liners (TSLs) have been available for application in mining and civil engineering situations for about 20 years. They were initially used as sealants, but have subsequently been developed as surface support liners. Although they are used in substantial quantities in mines in South Africa and Canada, widespread application for support purposes has been met with some scepticism. Observations from users, however, have indicated that, contrary to this scepticism, TSL support performance was almost always better than expected. A reason for the scepticism is probably a lack of quantification of the benefits. This paper aims to address this lack of data to some extent. It provides quantification of the enhancement of tensile strengths of rock and shotcrete due to the application of TSLs. The quantification was achieved using Brazilian indirect tensile testing, and several commercially available TSL products. Some tests were also carried out on small rock beams using three-point bending. The results show that, depending on the TSL product used, the tensile strength of a strong, brittle rock can be increased by approximately 30%, and that of shotcrete by more than 40%. TSL application on a weak porous sandstone resulted in an early tensile strength reduction, probably due to absorption of moisture. This was not the case with TSL application on shotcrete.Many of the rock support mechanisms provided by sprayed liners depend substantially or completely on the tensile strength contribution of the liner. Hence the data provided in this paper makes a contribution to knowledge, of value in the design of support for excavations in rock.     

Sequential excavation,NATM and ADECO: What they have in common and how they differ

Rabcewicz, 1964, Rabcewicz, 1965 maintained that “tunnels should be driven full face whenever possible”. ADECO, which stands for “Analysis of Controlled Deformations in tunnels”, now allows us to fulfill Rabcewicz’s dream in any stress–strain condition. In order to achieve that dream and its consequent control over cost and schedule, however, NATM must be abandoned for the ADECO. The paper traces the history of the sequential excavation, NATM (as first conceived) and Analysis of Controlled Deformations (ADECO) with the aim of shedding light on the unavoidable use of sequential excavation in “soft ground”, and of highlighting advances in tunnel design and construction that have occurred in Europe after and as alternates to the NATM. The paper presents the basic concepts in the ADECO approach to design, construction and monitoring of tunnels together with some case histories, including: full face excavation for Cassia tunnel (face area > 230 m²) in sands and silts under 5 m cover below an archeological area in Rome, Italy; Tartaguille tunnel (face area > 140 m²) advanced full face in highly swelling and squeezing ground under 100 m cover where NATM led to catastrophic failure, France; and 80 km of tunnels (face area > 140 m²) advanced full face in highly squeezing/swelling ground under 500 m cover for the high-speed railway line between Bologne and Florence, Italy (turnkey contract).     

A new tunnel inflow classification (TIC) system through sedimentary rock masses

A new classification system with respect to the engineering geological characteristics of rock masses in different geological conditions were presented based on the authors’ experiences and observations. Rock mass composition (RMC), rock type (RT), clay-bearing content (CBC), unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and tunnel depth (TD) were found as the major factors affecting the tunnel inflow. In order to minimize judgmental bias and set up a basic database, data pertaining to these factors were compiled from 33 tunnels project with a total length of about 200 km thoroughly excavated in sedimentary rocks. The classification factors were rated using a combination of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and statistical methods. In order to cover all rock mass varieties and lessen the uncertainties, major factors were divided into categories of varying quality. Two statistical criteria were introduced to calculate the weighing of categories. The main advantage of this procedure is its capability of effectively predicting groundwater inflows in a vast variety of geological conditions especially from a single flow pathway such as a brittle fault zone to low permeable rock masses. The proposed classification was applied to the actual rock tunnels. It was revealed that the predicted values were in a good agreement with the actual field measurements and could provide quantitative measures of tunnel inflow. The proposed method could be more feasible for a reliable pre-assessment of groundwater inflows in the future tunnel construction projects under heterogeneous geological conditions. Furthermore, the most important factors as well as their combination are introduced for sedimentary rocks.     

Interface shear behaviour of tunnel backfill materials in a deep-rock nuclear waste repository in Finland

The need for environmental protection and safety in facilities dedicated for the final safe disposal of spent nuclear fuel is paramount. Highly engineered multi-barriers are widely used in such waste containment facilities in order to provide a tight seal for the waste they contain. In Finland, several research studies have been conducted to investigate the feasibility of the final safe disposal of spent nuclear fuel in crystalline bedrock by incorporating the KBS-3V multi-barrier repository concept. As the saturation of the tunnels in a repository progresses, the pre-compressed bentonite buffer may swell and generate very high swelling pressure in the range of 7–15 MPa. Such high swelling pressure can cause the upheaval and the compression of the tunnel backfill that would eventually decrease the density of the buffer. For various reasons, the current KBS-3V design suggests that the saturated density of the buffer should be maintained within a narrow range of 1950–2050 kg/m³ at all times. As the swelling of the buffer directly influences the saturated density of the buffer, it must be controlled by designing a tunnel backfill that possesses an adequate amount of interface shear strength to sustain any additional pressure that is exerted by the swelling of the buffer. This study presents the findings of a series of direct shear box tests conducted on various tunnel backfill interfaces. Additionally, different types of rock profiles were also tested with the selected backfill materials. Based on the results, it was observed that the interface shear behaviour of different backfill-rock interfaces varied significantly with the surface roughness of the rock, while clay blocks resulted in similar shear behaviour with all the backfill materials.