20 Types of Classification of Tunnels

Tunnels are generally classified on the basis of the purpose, types of material and according to their position:  

A. Classification Based on The Purpose

Base on purpose tunnels are classified as:

a. Traffic Tunnels

Traffic tunnels are of following types:

• Highway tunnels
• Railway tunnels
• Navigation Tunnels
• Pedestrian tunnels
• Subway tunnels

b. Conveyance Tunnels

Conveyance tunnels are of following types:

• Water supply tunnels
• Hydroelectric power tunnels
• Sewer tunnels
• Tunnels for intake and conduit of public utilities
• Transporting tunnels in industrial plant

B. Classification Based on Type of Material

Based on the type of material through which they pass, tunnels are classified as:

• Tunnels in hard rock
• Tunnels in soft rock
• Tunnels in loose sand
• Tunnels in quicksand
• Open-cut tunnels
• Tunnels in the river bed

C. Classification based on position or alignment

Based on position or alignment, tunnels are classified as:

• Spiral tunnels
• Saddle and base tunnels
• Off-spur tunnels
• Slope tunnels

Read Also:

 Necessity of Tunnels

 Methods of Ventilation in Tunnels

 Shapes of Tunnels

 Requirements of Good Ventilation System in Tunnels