New Austrian tunneling method

"NATM" redirects here. For other uses, see NATM (disambiguation).

The new Austrian tunneling method (NATM), also known as the sequential excavation method (SEM) or sprayed concrete lining method[1] (SCL), is a method of modern tunnel design and construction employing sophisticated monitoring to optimize various wall reinforcement techniques based on the type of rock encountered as tunneling progresses. This technique first gained attention in the 1960s based on the work of Ladislaus von Rabcewicz, Leopold Müller, and Franz Pacher between 1957 and 1965 in Austria. The name NATM was intended to distinguish it from earlier methods, with its economic advantage of employing inherent geological strength available in the surrounding rock mass to stabilize the tunnel wherever possible rather than reinforcing the entire tunnel.[2]

NATM/SEM is generally thought to have helped revolutionise the modern tunneling industry. Many modern tunnels have used this excavation technique.

The Sequential Excavation Method is very cost effective, even in karst conditions.[3]

  1. ^ Alun Thomas (2019). Sprayed Concrete Lined Tunnels – 2nd ed. Abingdon, UK: Taylor & Francis. p. 288. ISBN 9780367209759.
  2. ^ Levent Özdemir (2006). North American Tunneling. Abingdon, UK: Taylor & Francis. p. 246. ISBN 0-415-40128-3.
  3. ^ Zhang, D., Xiong F., Zhang L., 2016