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CROSS Topic Paper

Collapse of the New Austrian tunnelling method (NATM) tunnels at Heathrow Airport

Region: CROSS-UK Published: 1 November 1994


Overview

In October 1994 a section of tunnel being constructed at Heathrow Airport collapsed. A number of the lessons arising from this collapse can be applied to engineering projects generally. The tunnel was constructed using the ‘NATM’ (New Austrian Tunnelling Method).

Topic headings in the paper include: major accident potential, hazard and risk management, and management systems.

Note: this Topic Paper was published by SCOSS (Standing Committee on Structural Safety). Since March 2021, SCOSS is integrated under the name Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS).

Who should read this?

Principal Designers, Principal Contractors, civil and structural engineers, tunnelling specialists, temporary works engineers.

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