Investigation of the effects of water in an anhydrite-containing tunnel environment

Are the crumple zones already filled with gypsum?

Thesis details
Investigation of the effects of water in an anhydrite-containing tunnel environment
  • 6 months
  • M.Sc.
  • 90% Programming
  • 80% Field work
  • 10% Lab work
  • 60% Theory
  • 70% Processing
  • 60% Interpretation
  • 50% Geology
Contact person
Marc S. Boxberg's profile picture's profile picture
Dr. rer. nat.
Marc S. Boxberg
 Postdoctoral researcher and deputy director
+49 241 / 80 99755

An existing tunnel through an anhydrite-bearing geological formation is to be investigated. The tunnel has crumple zones which provide space for the alteration of anhydrite into gypsum due to the presence of groundwater or infiltration water. These zones have been designed to be sufficient for the expected lifetime of the tunnel. However, it appears that the zones are already filled with gypsum well before the end of lifetime. The tunnel may therefore need to be refurbished. The extent of the damage caused by the gypsum is to be analyzed using geophysical measurements. For this purpose, the tunnel can be closed to carry out measurements inside the tunnel. The possible geophysical measurements include ERT, georadar and seismics.

Your tasks:

  1. Design of the survey (e.g. through synthetic modeling)
  2. Carrying out the survey (with help of other group members)
  3. Process, visualize and interpret the results
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