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Description
Mining and tunelling are similar types of operation: rock or coal has to be cut out or removed, the roof has to be supported, and the workings have to be kept reasonably dry and safe. Both can caus...e effects through subsidence at the surface. This programme looks at historical aspects of mining and tunelling with National coal Board film and a scale model of Brunel's tunnel under the Thames at rotherhithe. Modern experimental tunnelling machines for fast driving through chalk and other soft rock strata are demonstrated. the problems posed to the engineering geologist in tunnelling projects are examined. these include the techniques of sensing ground movement and stresses in surrounding strata, the particular problems caused by water and its drainage and the effects of tunnelling and the subsequent subsidence on existing buildings or proposed developments in urban areas.
Mining and tunelling are similar types of operation: rock or coal has to be cut out or removed, the roof has to be supported, and the workings have to be kept reasonably dry and safe. Both can caus...e effects through subsidence at the surface. This programme looks at historical aspects of mining and tunelling with National coal Board film and a scale model of Brunel's tunnel under the Thames at rotherhithe. Modern experimental tunnelling machines for fast driving through chalk and other soft rock strata are demonstrated. the problems posed to the engineering geologist in tunnelling projects are examined. these include the techniques of sensing ground movement and stresses in surrounding strata, the particular problems caused by water and its drainage and the effects of tunnelling and the subsequent subsidence on existing buildings or proposed developments in urban areas.
| Module code and title: | S333, Earth science topics and methods |
|---|---|
| Item code: | S333; 11 |
| First transmission date: | 18-07-1976 |
| Published: | 1976 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:25:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | Neil Cleminson |
| Contributors: | P. B. Attewell; Myles O'Reilly; David Williams |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Brunel's tunnel; Geology; Ground movement; National Coal Board; Subsidence; Tunneling machines; Water drainage; Crooked House; Himley; Dudley |
| Footage description: | Shots of the leaning pub at Himley, Staffs. The building has been badly affected by subsidence due to coal mining. David Williams introduces the programme. David Williams (voice over animated models) explains, briefly, how coal mines were dug in the 18th and 19th century to minimise subsidence. Williams goes on to explain how the two Brunels (father and son) built their tunnel under the Thames about 150 years ago. Williams uses a scale model of the tunnel and workings to explain in detail how the tunnelling was accomplished. Film shots of a modern tunnelling machine in action at the Transport and Road Research Laboratories, Chinner. Williams (voice over) introduces the next sequence. Myles O'Reilly, head of the Tunnelling Division, explains in detail how tunnelling trials are carried out at the Laboratories. He uses a scale model of a tunnelling machine to illustrate his point. Finally, O'Reilly shows a heavy cutter and briefly explains for what type of cutting this tool is used. Film shots of tunnelling work on the second Mersey road tunnel. Commentary by Williams. Film shots of tunnelling work on the River Tyne Syphon Tunnel. Commentary by Williams. Peter Attewell, Durham University, sums up the method by which the Tyne tunnel is lined and goes on to explain how the bending stresses on the linings are measured. Attewell demonstrates the use of a Glotzl cell which is used to make stress measurements in tunnels. Attewell goes on to examine, with the aid of diagrams, the results which were obtained from the above measurements. Attewell next uses diagrams to discuss the problem of measuring ground losses and predicting consequential surface settlements. He looks first at the tunnel for the new Fleet Line at Green Park, and then at the Northumbrian Water Authority's scheme for up-dating the Tyneside sewage system. A map of the system is used. David Williams sums up. Shots of a preserved 19th century coal mine shaft in operation near Ironbridge. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72172 |
| Production number: | 00525_1217 |
| Videofinder number: | 1377 |
| Available to public: | no |
