Hazard and Risk Analysis in the Design and Construction of Tunnels in Carbonate Rock Mass of the Adriatic Area

An extensive data base has been formed during the design and construction of six tunnels in Croatia (Hrasten, Tuhobić, Vrata, Sljeme, Sopač and Vršek) whose total length amounts to approx. 5 km. The tunnels were excavated in rock carbonate formations formed of limestones (dating back to the Lias and Dogger) and, less often, dolomitic limestones from the Jurassic period and dolomites from the Upper Triassic period. Taking into account all elements specified in the paper, it is possible to pinpoint all significant factors that had to be dealt with when defining hazards and specific risks occurring during design and construction of tunnels in carbonate rock formations of the Adriatic coastal area.