Tunnel Segments
Geometry & Trigonometry
Crossrail tunnel segments stockpiled in preparation for digging
Where this idea comes from
Start here — this is the source that inspired this exploration.
Introduction
"A new tunnel segment manufacturing facility has begun full operations in west London, pouring the first batch of 250,000 concrete segments that will line 42km of Crossrail tunnels."
Guiding Questions
- A tunnel cross-section is a circular segment. How do you compute its area from the radius and height?
- For a real tunnel's dimensions, find the cross-sectional area and the volume of earth removed per kilometre.
- The segments are stacked in rings. How much concrete does one ring contain?
- How does the digging volume change if the tunnel diameter grows by 10%? Why do costs grow faster than diameter?