XV COLOMBIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONGRESS & II INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIZED CONFERENCE OF SOFT ROCKS.

CARTAGENA ON OCTOBER 5th -7th 2016

3D-TSP Advanced geological prediction during tunneling projects in

the Andes

3D-TSP Prediccin geolgica avanzada durante proyectos de

tunelacin en los Andes
Jozsef Hecht-Mndez and Thomas Dickmann
Amberg Technologies AG, Regensdorf-Watt, Switzerland
jhecht@amberg.ch

Abstract
In recent years, a large number of underground projects have been developed in challenging environments in the
Andean region. A common problem for these projects is the scarce a prior geological and geotechnical information
available. Hence, at the construction stage ongoing characterization of the underground is crucial. Tunnel Seismic
Prediction (TSP) is a geophysical technique based on the principle of seismic reflection. The TSP method allows
detecting rock mass changes exploding their intimate link to seismic wave velocities. As a result, derived
geomechanical properties grant the identification of fault and shear zones, cavities and exploring water bearing
formations in a cost effective manner. The TSP technology is being currently used in the stage III of Chavimochic
Special Project. Results of a TSP campaign performed in volcanic rocks demonstrate its capability in detecting
changes in the rock mass condition. The results obtained are in good agreement with the excavated geology and the
complementary mechanical probe drills.

Resumen
En aos recientes un gran nmero de proyectos subterrneos se han desarrollado en ambientes retadores en la
regin andina. Un problema comn para estos proyectos es la poca informacin geolgica y geotcnica previa
disponible. Por ende, la caracterizacin del macizo durante la construccin es crucial. La Prediccin Ssmica para
Tneles (TSP) es una tcnica geofsica basada en la ssmica de reflexin. El mtodo TSP permite detectar cambios
del macizo explotando su relacin con la velocidad de las ondas ssmicas. Como resultado, los parmetros
geomecnicos facilitan la identificacin de zonas de falla y cizalla, cavidades y exploracin de formaciones
portadoras de agua de manera econmica. La tecnologa TSP est siendo actualmente empleada en la etapa III del
Proyecto Especial Chavimochic. Resultados de una campaa TSP ejecutada en rocas volcnicas demuestran su
capacidad de detectar cambios en las condiciones del macizo. Los resultados obtenidos concuerdan con la
geologa excavada y con sondeos exploratorios mecnicos complementarios.

poorly hardened and low durability volcanic tuffs

1 INTRODUCTION
Advance geological prediction during
construction of tunnel should be a normal practice
to avoid any unpredicted risk and in order to
complete the project within the defined time
schedule. The Andes are the longest continental
mountain range with complex geology. It is
relatively young with lithology varying from
and/or highly altered andesites to extremely strong
and high abrasive andesites. These sequences have
been strongly folded and faulted in some regions
(Brox and Venturini, 2009).
The key aspects to success or failure of any
tunnelling project is dealing with the quality of the
rock mass that the tunnel passes through and the
support measures applied during tunnel
construction. In this respect, accurate analysis and
 XV COLOMBIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONGRESS & II INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIZED CONFERENCE OF SOFT ROCKS.
CARTAGENA ON OCTOBER 5th -7th 2016
interpretation of rock mass quality plays a
significant role. Past and present tunnel experience
in the Andes shows that there are still many
uncertainties and challenges that have to be coped
with during tunnelling.
The geological risk involved during tunnelling
in the Andes range and the rock mass
characterisation by means of 3D seismic
prediction using the TSP 303 technology is a
worthwhile discussion. TSP 303 is a geophysical
technique based on the reflection seismic method
which helps to avoid risks associated to poor rock
strata (Dickmann, 2014). It saves costly
downtimes and increases the production
efficiency. The TSP technology has already been
used in more than 100 measurements in various
projects in the Andean region and in volcanic
rocks in North and Central America (Table 1).
Currently, the last generation of the TSP system is
being used in the III stage of the Chavimochic
Special Project located in La Libertad department,
northern Per. This major project consists of
taking the water of the Santas river through a
long channel of about 280 km towards the Chao,
Vir, Moche y Chicama valleys. With the
proposed system, irrigation of more than 160,000
ha of agriculture land will be possible. In addition,
the project aims at hydropower generation and
drinking water supply to the city of Trujillo.
Development of the projects third stage, carried
out by the Concesionaria Chavimochic S.A.C, will
allow irrigation of about 63,000 ha of new arable
land improving in turn irrigation of additional
50,000 ha. The works foreseen for the projects
stage III are the following:
Palo Redondo dam and complementary
facilities
Third siphon line across Vir River
Main water channel Moche-Chicama-
Urricape
Lateral conduction for the Urricape sector
under the main channel
Integral refurbishment of the existing inlets
system throughout stages I and II and new
inlets in the stage III.
Control, measuring and automation system
with full coverage for the major hydraulic
infrastructure.
To date 12 TSP campaigns have been carried
out. TSP measurements are being performed by
DNA-BLAST Latinoamrica S.A.C. Here, one of
the results performed at the restitution tunnel is
being presented and TSP prognosis is being
compared with actual geology after excavation
and complementary exploration methods.
Table 1. Use of TSP Latin America
Country Project Tunnel Length
Per C. H. Yuncan 20 km
Per Proyecto Olmos 20 km
Per P.E. Chavimochic ~4 km
Brasil GASDUC III 3.8 km
Dominican Republic Palo Mino 13.5 km
Costa Rica P. H. Cach 6 km
Mxico Acatnel 3.2 km
Chile - >20 km
The list is not deemed to be complete.
2 APPLICATION OF GEOLOGICAL
PREDICTION IN ANDEAN TUNNELING
Most of the tunneling projects in the Andean
region can be categorised in two main sectors:
hydropower and water transfer. Within the
hydropower sector two major types of projects are
distinguished, conventional or dam system and
Run-of-the-river projects. In Colombia, the
Ituango Hydroelectrical Dam, the largest
conventional project in the country and second
largest in Latin America, is currently being
constructed including a 200 m high dam and two
water diversion tunnels. One important example
of water transfer is the Olmos Trans-Andean
tunnel finished in 2,011. This 20 km long tunnel is
integral part of a large water transfer system
bringing water from the Huancabamba River on
the Eastern side of the Andes to drought areas on
the Pacific Coast. A run-of-the-river project is
now being constructed in Chile and another
example of this type of projects is found in
volcanic rock in Costa Rica (expansion of the
Cach Hydroelectrical Plant). Contrary, road
projects are still scarce in this region. However,
due to the increasing commercial exchange in the
region and need of rapid transportation, more and
more challenging road projects in the Andean
region are expected. The 4G highway project in
Colombia, and the Agua Negra and Corredor
Biocenico Aconcagua, Chile/Argentina, are only
a few examples.
In spite of the increasing energy and
transportation demand, such infrastructure
projects have not yet been developed to a desired
extent due to various constraints. Among these
constraints, inaccessible terrain and
adverse/uncertain geological condition are
 XV COLOMBIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONGRESS & II INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIZED CONFERENCE OF SOFT ROCKS.
CARTAGENA ON OCTOBER 5th -7th 2016
significant ones. Moreover, in some cases,
extremely rugged, densely forested and
inaccessible topography together with high
overburdens provide limited prior investigations
and more assumptions and projections are made
which finally become a cause of concern for
projects owners and contractors during execution.
These unavoidable uncertainties can be managed
by carrying out comprehensive 3D geological
prediction which is a pre-requisite realistic
prognosis (Dickmann and Krger, 2014).
2.1 Occurrence of adverse geological
conditions
Occurrence of deformed, crushed rock mass due
to fault or shear zones and squeezing rock along
tunnel route poses several risks during excavation
like formation of cavities, collapse, convergence,
debris flow, etc. Considering the length of the
tunnels, encountering such zones during
excavation is common.
For instance, during the construction of the 8.6
km La Linea road tunnel, Colombia, for which an
exploration tunnel was built in advance, strong
instability at two faces and collapse due to strong
water ingress and poor rock quality was
experienced (Corba Colombo, 2015). Maybe the
most significant example of rock squeezing in the
Andean region and the world is the Yacamb-
Qubor water transfer tunnel in Venezuela (Hoek
and Guevara, 2009). Besides being constructed on
a tectonically complex area, poor understanding of
the geology and unanticipated rock condition
made this project a real challenge. After 32 years
the tunnel was finished.
Tunneling through fault zones or swelling rock
pose severe risk to manpower and machinery. In
order to overcome such problems, advance
geological prediction by TSP 303 should be a
useful practice.
Another important risk in tunneling projects in
the Andean region is posed by the rock burst
phenomena. Such phenomenon occurred
throughout the excavation of the Trans-Andean
tunnel (Olmos project) and has been already
reported in some excavations in Chilean Andes.
2.2 The ground water problem
Investigations of groundwater conditions are
very important for a successful completion of the
tunnel work. Though it is difficult to judge the
groundwater condition during investigation stages,
efforts are being made to probe simultaneously
while advancing tunnel excavation in water
charged zones by probe drilling and Tunnel
Seismic Prediction. TSP 303 is an advance tool
which can explore the water bearing formation in
true 3D image and help reduce the costly probe
drilling. It takes less time to do a measurement as
compared to probe drilling methods.
2.3 Management of geological risk
Once the geological risk is identified and
delineated properly, the next step is to manage
them during construction. The risk management is
manageable as long as geological prediction in
advance is being applied by means of tunnel
seismic prediction and probe drilling.
Contractually, every geological risk event is
costly and its magnitude depends on how risk can
be managed.
3 BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES OF
GEOLOGICAL PREDICTION
The geotechnical risk that can affect projects
result from a range of hazards associated with
geologic condition, but also from hazards
associated with the geo-engineering process.
When the site investigation from the surface is
limited given the topography, TSP 303 can detect
lithological uncertainties within a distance of up to
150 metres from tunnel face. It is the most
effective prediction methods because of its large
prediction range, high resolution and ease of
handling and operating on a tunnel construction
site.
3.1 Advantages
TSP offers an advanced geological prediction to
meet daily operational needs such as:
Spatial investigation ahead of face.
Detection of hazardous fault zones and
cavities.
Exploration of water bearing formation.
Discovery of change in rock mechanical
properties.
Employed as a predictive method during
excavation process for both drill & blast and TBM
heading, no access to face is required to perform
measurements, which are taken in tunnelling
production breaks of around 60 minutes. Acoustic
signals are produced by a series of 24 shots of
usually 50 to 100 grams of detonation cords
aligned along one tunnel wall side and having
additional shot line along opposite tunnel wall
side in case of more complex geology. The 3
 XV COLOMBIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONGRESS & II INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIZED CONFERENCE OF SOFT ROCKS.
CARTAGENA ON OCTOBER 5th -7th 2016
component receivers pick up the seismic signals
which were being reflected from any kind of
discontinuity in rock mass ahead. The capability
of system to record the full wave field of
compressional and shear wave in conjunction with
intelligent analysis software enable a
determination of rock mechanical properties such
as Poisons ratio and Youngs modulus within the
prediction area. The final 2D and 3D summary
result produced by the system software presents as
well detected events and boundary planes crossing
the tunnel axis coordinates ahead of face
(Dickmann and Krger, 2014).
3.2 Benefits
The owner and contractor can make know their
risk, because they can detect and quantify the
geological hazard. Unknown uncertainties should
belong to the past and they become known
uncertainties. With regular tunnel seismic
operation they identify their geological risk
detecting hazards and quantifying the impact to
their tunneling projects. By this means, tunnel
builders can understand the risk as chance and in
very economical way.
Depending on heading length and type of the
projects, the investment in knowing the risk by a
regular TSP operation is just between 0.7 % and
1.8% of the time dependent site cost, provision of
installation and energy expenses (Figure 1).
Figure 1: TSP expenses when applied on regular base
dependent on heading length and excavation method.
Expenses are based on time related site costs. Numbers in
bars give TSP expenses in percentage of total heading days.
In other words, all investments in this
technology are already paid after saving 3 to 7
days of downtime. For TBM operation a minimum
length of 3 km is assumed, here a reduction of
only three to five days of downtime pays off TSP
operation on a regular basis.
Advance knowledge of approximate spatial
dimensions of geological fault zones, cavities,
water bearing zones and changes in rock
mechanical properties are key factors for a sound
risk management, consistent operational safety
and timely planning of construction
countermeasures.
4 CASE STUDY OF PREDICTION DURING
TUNNELLING IN THE CHAVIMOCHIC
SPECIAL PROJECT
4.1 Background
The III stage of the Chavimochic Special
Project comprises the excavation of five tunnels
with an approximate total length of 4 km, among
other infrastructure work (Figure 2). The tunnels
are being excavated by the Drill & Blast method.
To date, development of the project shows a
remarkable advance due to an efficient and
faultless execution.
Local geology within the project area comprises
intercalation of sedimentary rocks and intrusive
and extrusive volcanic rocks. Along the tunnel
under investigation, intercalations of slightly
altered and fractured andesite of moderate quality
with sedimentary rocks of similar characteristics
are found.
Figure 2: Overview of the Chavimochic Project, in red
infrastructures of phase III (modified from DNA-Blast
Latinoamrica, 2016).
4.2 Objective
The objective of this case study is a geological
prediction of minimum 130 meter ahead of tunnel
face and verification of the TSP result by
contrasting the prediction against the excavated
geology. In addition, results of the TSP campaign
are compared with complementary predictive
mechanical technology called DNA-Drill-Log
developed by Thierry Bernard Technologie,
 XV COLOMBIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONGRESS & II INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIZED CONFERENCE OF SOFT ROCKS.
CARTAGENA ON OCTOBER 5th -7th 2016
France. The latter method consists of the
estimation of the rock strength based on a
calibrated assessment of the probing drilling
parameters.
Investigation target of the TSP measurement
was to assess changes in the rock conditions due
to alternating lithology and detection of geological
structures relevant for the excavation.
4.3 Approach
The measurement was carried out in the
restitution tunnel face at tm 0+975 using the
system TSP 303 Plus with 24 shots holes drilled in
the right tunnel wall and small explosive charges,
ranging from 20 to 40 g used as the seismic
source. Behind the shot hole line, two holes were
drilled each on both side of tunnel wall for setting
the seismic sensors (accelerometers) as shown in
Figure 3. The method is completely non-
destructive. After the recording unit had been
connected to the receivers and trigger box, a first
shot in the borehole closest to the receivers was
being fired with 20 g explosive charge in order to
test the seismic signal amplitude. Recorded
seismic data can be viewed on the screen at any
time during acquisition in order to check the data
quality and the signal to noise ratio.
Figure 3: Layout of TSP survey at restitution tunnel with
reference position at pk 0+919 and tunnel face location at
0+976 km. Blue dots indicate seismic 3C-receivers and red
dots indicate the seismic source points (shots).
After acquisition, the data is processed using the
Amberg TSP Plus software. In general, the aim of
seismic data processing is an extraction and
enhancement of the reflected wave field. For this
purpose the data have been run through a given
number of specially designed processing steps,
where intermediate results are stored enabling a
review during processing at any time. The
subsequent wave separation process of Amberg
TSP Plus separates the recordings into wave types
according to their polarization type.
Finally, the last step of the processing flow
automatically extracts dominant reflector
elements, which can be presented in 2D or 3D
views with a reflective layer extraction of P-
waves, SH-waves and SV-waves and all
geotechnical parameters calculated during
processing of data. During the interpretation of
results, the rock formations are divided depending
on P- and S-wave velocities and elastic moduli.
For the data evaluation, only the more prominent
reflection signals ahead of the tunnel face are
taken into account.
4.4 Results
In the TSP layout, reference P- and S-wave
velocities are estimated as 5,603 m/s and 3,239
m/s, respectively. These reference velocities
correspond to the direct wave traveling from the
shot holes to the receiver; hence, they are
representative of the prevailing geology within the
layout which in this case corresponds to
competent andesites. Similarly, a reference
dynamic Youngs modulus (Edyn) of 74 GPa was
estimated. Since Edyn is directly derived from the
wave velocities and density, it can be in most
cases correlated to the rock stiffness.
Based on the P and S-wave velocities and
estimated geomechanical parameters ahead of the
face, three major sections were identified as
shown in Figure 4.
Section 1: TM 0+976 to 1+010
Increasing P- and S-wave velocities (Vp >6,000
m/s and Vs >3,290 m/s) in comparison to the
reference value. Edyn increases from 74 GPa to 87
GPa indicating increasing rock stiffness. Some
reflectors are found at TM 0+996 with slightly
decreased Edyn.
Section 2: TM 1+010 to 1+035
Large decrease in Vp reaching values down to
5,240 m/s. S-wave velocities also decreases to
values around the reference (3,205 m/s). The Edyn
decreases to values around 69 GPa, lower than the
reference indicating a significant decrease in rock
stiffness. The high number of extracted reflectors
indicates a high reflectivity at this area possibly
due to a high density of joints. It might be
associated to a fracture zone or a cluster of joints.
Within it, a 6 m wide area with improved rock
condition is also found from TM 1+026 to 1+032
characterized for an increase in the P-wave
velocity.
 XV COLOMBIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONGRESS & II INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIZED CONFERENCE OF SOFT ROCKS.
CARTAGENA ON OCTOBER 5th -7th 2016
Figure 4: Reflectors longitudinal view (top) with colour shading according of P-wave velocity and rock property charts
(bottom).
Section 3: TM 1+035 to 1+140
P- and S-wave velocities increase to values
higher than the reference (Vp >5,700 m/a and Vs
>3,300 m/s). Likewise, Edyn increases to values
around 83 GPa indicating rock conditions similar
to slightly better than in the TSP layout.
4.5 Excavated geology and rock mass
classification along the prediction range
Main geological features as found during the
excavation are described for the three sections
previously defined.
Section 1: TM 0+976 to 1+010
The excavated rock comprises alternating
sedimentary and volcanic rocks, fractured and
moderately altered. The rock mass strength is
moderate.
Section 2: TM 1+010 to 1+035
The excavation was characterized by the
occurrence of various geological structures with
unfavorable conditions. The major features were:
sedimentary rocks with low angle stratification,
well defined unconformable lithological contacts
and a minor fault system crossing the face sub-
vertically showing a high weakening of the rock
mass at some segments.
Section 3: TM 1+050 to 1+115
This section presents similar geological feature
as found in Section 1: alternation of sedimentary
and volcanic rocks with moderate alteration and
fracturing and moderate rock mass strength.
4.6 Predictive mechanical probing
For comparative purposes, the mechanical rock
mass characterization method was applied
throughout the prediction range every 30 m. The
method takes into account a site coefficient
measured at the face at the moment of the probing,
used for calibration. By applying this coefficient,
the rock strength in MPa can be estimated.
 XV COLOMBIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONGRESS & II INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIZED CONFERENCE OF SOFT ROCKS.
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Figure 5 depicts the estimated strength which is
proportional to the compressional strength
resulting from the relationship between the
advance rate, torque and injection pressure.
Considering these values, operator observations
and drilling cuts, three major sections were
defined and characterized in terms of rock mass
types. In addition, the rock mass types based on
RMR calculations for each section are presented.
Figure 5: Rock mass strength in function of the tunnelmeter
(DNA DRILL LOG, Thierry Bernard, 2015).
Section 1: TM 0+960 to 1+015
Moderate to good rock mass strength with
volcanic rock as main lithology. Occurrence of
minor geological structures. Minor features
relevant for the excavation are found which
require local treatment. The rock mass is
catalogued as type III
Section 2: TM 1+015 to 1+035
Altered rock mass with low strength and
occurrence of unfavorable geological structures
such as: minor faults, unconformable
lithological contact among others. The rock
mass type is IV.
Section 3: TM 1+035 to 1+135
Homogenous rock mass characterized by high
strength. It is slightly fractured with low to
moderate alteration. No major features relevant
for the excavation are found. The rock type is
III. Around TM 1+120, a decrease in the rock
mass strength is found. At this section of about
5 m, the rock type is IV.
4.7 Results comparison
Figure 6 depicts the rock mass classification
(RMR) after excavation upon the geological
profile and the P-wave velocity as interpreted
along the prediction range. The rock mass along
most of the prediction range is classified as type
III. The seismic section 2 with a significant
decrease in seismic velocities and geomechanical
parameters is in very good agreement with the
section catalogued as type IV (first orange
segment) corresponding to a decrease in rock
strength as indicated by the mechanical probing.
The second segment classified as type IV occurs
at the end of the prediction range. Due to the
attenuation of the seismic signals, both resolution
and accuracy of detectable targets diminish with
increasing distance from the face position. Since it
is found 140 m ahead of the face; the possibility to
obtain reliable reflections from a discontinuity
located at this distance diminishes considerably.
Moreover, the presence of the minor fault system
with fractured rock from TM 1+010 to 1+035,
most likely further attenuates the seismic energy
making more difficult to detect geological
structures towards the end of the prediction range.
Figure 6: Rock mass classification after excavation upon the
baseline geological profile (top), Vp estimated from the
seismic waves together with the rock mass classification
(bottom).
Table 2 presents a summary of TSP parameters
(Vp, Vs and Edyn), the rock mass strength and
type of rock coming from the mechanical probing.
The tunnelmeter sections were defined according
to the occurrence of relevant features along the
TSP prediction range for each applied method.
5 CONCLUSION
The result and their comparison with excavated
geology and the mechanical probing method
proved TSP 303 as an efficient and reliable tool to
obtain 3D geological information up to 150 m
ahead of the face.
Three major seismic zones could be defined
which are in good agreement with the prediction
of the complementary exploration method. In
addition, the geological findings while tunnel
excavation corroborates the seismic results in
almost the entire prediction range. Towards the
end of the prediction range, a 6 m width zone was
 XV COLOMBIAN GEOTECHNICAL CONGRESS & II INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIZED CONFERENCE OF SOFT ROCKS.
CARTAGENA ON OCTOBER 5th -7th 2016
not fully detected possibly due to the large
attenuation of the seismic energy and due to the
fact that this area coincide with the end of the
seismic model where the detection accuracy
significantly diminishes. However, according to
the heading, this zone did not represent a
significant risk for the excavation.
Based on the experience gained so far, the TSP
303 system can be successfully used in tunneling
activities in the Andean region. The prevailing
rock types and expected geological structures
offers ideal scenario for using this technology.
Data acquisition does not significantly delay or
effect the tunnel operation and can be performed
on a continuous basis and as demonstrated in the
case study, the use of tunnel seismic investigations
use together with complementary exploration
tools considerably helps in reducing the geological
risk.
TSP 303 applications are the right way to turn
the geological risk into manageable risk providing
detection rates up to 80-90% of rock formation
changes and geological discontinuities and a
location accuracy of about 5% of the distance to
face.
Geology always plays a major role in the
planning stage. Hence, there must be proper
investigations to be carried out by advanced 3D
Tunnel Seismic Prediction technology on a
continuous basis.
6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We like to thank the concession holder
Concesionaria Chavimochic S.A.C. for order and
approval to publish this case study and to the TSP
user company at the project, DNA-BLAST
Latinoamrica S.A.C. for the support and
facilitating the results for preparing this article.

Table 2. Summary of TSP parameters and rock strength and rock types according to the mechanical probes along TSP
prediction range (the blue cells correspond to the reference values estimated within the TSP layout).

Tunnemeter (m) Vp (m/s) Vs (m/s) Edyn (GPa) Rock strength (MPa) Rock type
Initial Final min max min max min max min max
0+919 0+976 5,603 3239 74 33 42 III
0+976 1+010 6,000 6,200 3,290 3,395 81 87 29 40 III
1+010 1+035 5,244 5,294 3,205 3,360 69 74 25 30 IV
1+035 1+042 5,973 5,973 3,262 3,262 79 79 30 33 III
1+042 1+048 5,379 5,379 3,276 3,276 73 73 30 35 III
1+048 1+140 5,782 6,018 3,253 3,351 78 83 29 42 III

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