Design of reinforced sprayed concrete arches in rock tunnelling

Srđan Spasojević

doi:10.68732/465f24d835ee9b1e

Paper contribution

Design of reinforced sprayed concrete arches in rock tunnelling

Srđan Spasojević

DOI: https://doi.org/10.68732/465f24d835ee9b1e
Proceedings: EUROCK 2026
Pages: 731-738
Submitted: 28 January 2026
Accepted: 15 June 2026
Published: 12 August 2026

Summary

Abstract

Reinforced sprayed concrete arches are a tunnel support measure commonly used in ground conditions with poor rock mass and low or insufficient rock cover, weaknesses, or fault zones. This is a typical solution for rock excavation support in a single–layer tunnel lining. The initial chapters outline the empirical, analytical, and numerical principles governing the design process. Subsequently, two case histories from Swedish tunnelling practice—the Högdalsdepån and Flemingsbergstunneln projects—are analysed to demonstrate how shotcrete ribs are implemented within single-layer linings to optimise structural stiffness and load-bearing capacity. Crucial uncertainties remain regarding rock-shotcrete deformation compatibility and interface interaction, the precise load-transfer mechanisms, and design criteria for integrated arch-spile systems.

Contributors

Authors

Srđan Spasojević Geo.tunnel.konsult LLC, Serbia ORCID 0009-0004-7280-9930

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Full paper (PDF)Paper_100_Eurock_2026.pdf · 0.9 MB

Works cited

References

Barton, N., Lien , R., & Lunde, J. (1974). Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel support. . Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering 6(4), 189-23.
Bentley. (n.d.). PLAXIS 2025.1 Scientific Manual PLAXIS 3D.
Grimstad, E., Kankes, K., Bhasin, R., Magnussen, A., & Kaynia, A. (2022). Rock mass quality Q used in designing reinforced ribs of sprayed concrete and energy absorption. In Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Sprayed Concrete. Davos.
Hetenyi, M. (1963). Beams on Elastic Foundation: Theory with Applications in the Fields of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Michigan: The University of Michigan Press.
Kerr, A. D. (1964). Elastic and viscoelastic foundation models. J. Appl. Mech. Trans.
NGI. (2025). Using the Q-System, Rock Mass Classification and Support Design. Norwegian Geotechnical Institute .
Pasternak, P. L. (1954). On a new method of analysis of an elastic foundation by means of two foundation constants. Moscow: In: Gosudarstvennoe Izdatelstro Liberaturi Po Stroitelstvui Arkhitekture.
Sjölander, A. (2020). Structural Behaviour of Shotcrete in Hard Rock Tunnels (PhD. Theses). Stockholm: KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
Standarder, S. I. (2023). SS-EN 1992-1-1:2023 Eurokod 2 - Dimensionering av betongkonstruktioner - Del 1-1: Allmänna regler och regler för byggnader, broar och anläggningskonstruktioner.Stockholm.

[1] Barton, N., Lien , R., & Lunde, J. (1974). Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel support. . Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering 6(4), 189-23.

[2] Bentley. (n.d.). PLAXIS 2025.1 Scientific Manual PLAXIS 3D.

[3] Grimstad, E., Kankes, K., Bhasin, R., Magnussen, A., & Kaynia, A. (2022). Rock mass quality Q used in designing reinforced ribs of sprayed concrete and energy absorption. In Proceedings of the 4th International Symposium on Sprayed Concrete. Davos.

[4] Hetenyi, M. (1963). Beams on Elastic Foundation: Theory with Applications in the Fields of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Michigan: The University of Michigan Press.

[5] Kerr, A. D. (1964). Elastic and viscoelastic foundation models. J. Appl. Mech. Trans.

[6] NGI. (2025). Using the Q-System, Rock Mass Classification and Support Design. Norwegian Geotechnical Institute .

[7] Pasternak, P. L. (1954). On a new method of analysis of an elastic foundation by means of two foundation constants. Moscow: In: Gosudarstvennoe Izdatelstro Liberaturi Po Stroitelstvui Arkhitekture.

[8] Sjölander, A. (2020). Structural Behaviour of Shotcrete in Hard Rock Tunnels (PhD. Theses). Stockholm: KTH Royal Institute of Technology.

[9] Standarder, S. I. (2023). SS-EN 1992-1-1:2023 Eurokod 2 - Dimensionering av betongkonstruktioner - Del 1-1: Allmänna regler och regler för byggnader, broar och anläggningskonstruktioner.Stockholm.