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IS 13783 Part 1 : 1993Guidelines for design and construction of large diameter tunnels (Part 1: Conventional tunneling method)

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BS 6164 · FHWA-NHI-10 · ITA-AITES Guidelines for the Design of Tunnels
CurrentSpecializedGuidelinesBIMGeotechnical · Tunneling and Underground Structures
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OverviewValues5InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 13783:1993 Part 1 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for guidelines for design and construction of large diameter tunnels (part 1: conventional tunneling method). This standard (Part 1) provides guidelines for the design and construction of large diameter tunnels (>3m) using conventional methods like the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) or drill-and-blast. It covers aspects from geotechnical investigations and empirical design based on rock mass classification to support systems and construction sequences.

Provides guidelines for the design and construction of large diameter tunnels using conventional methods, including drilling and blasting.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Geotechnical — Tunneling and Underground Structures
Type
Guidelines
International equivalents
BS 6164:2019 · BSI (British Standards Institution), United KingdomFHWA-NHI-10-034 · Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), USAITA-AITES Guidelines for the Design of Tunnels · International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES), InternationalÖNORM B 2203-1:2020 · Austrian Standards International, Austria
Typically used with
IS 456IS 1786IS 1498
Also on InfraLens for IS 13783
5Key values2Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Selection of the correct TBM type (e.g., Earth Pressure Balance, Slurry Shield, Open Gripper) based on thorough geotechnical investigation is the single most critical factor for project success.
! The design of segmental lining is an iterative process involving analysis of ground-structure interaction, handling/erection stresses, and long-term durability requirements.
! Continuous monitoring of ground settlement, TBM operational parameters (e.g., face pressure, torque), and lining integrity is essential throughout the construction phase.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4Geotechnical InvestigationsCl. 5Selection of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)Cl. 6Design of Tunnel LiningCl. 7Construction
Pulled from IS 13783:1993. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
rocksoilshotcreterock boltssteel ribsconcrete lining

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS 6164:2019BSI (British Standards Institution), United Kingdom
HighCurrent
Code of practice for health and safety in tunnelling in the construction industry
Covers health, safety, and operational best practices for all tunneling methods, including conventional tunneling.
FHWA-NHI-10-034Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), USA
MediumCurrent
Technical Manual for Design and Construction of Road Tunnels — Civil Elements
Provides comprehensive guidance on road tunnel design and construction, including extensive sections on conventional (SEM/NATM) methods.
ITA-AITES Guidelines for the Design of TunnelsInternational Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES), International
HighCurrent
Guidelines for the Design of Tunnels
Offers internationally recognized best-practice principles for tunnel design, including rock and soil mechanics and support systems for conventional tunneling.
ÖNORM B 2203-1:2020Austrian Standards International, Austria
MediumCurrent
Underground works - Work contract - Part 1: Cyclical driving
The definitive standard for the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM), a key sequential excavation method within conventional tunneling.
Key Differences
≠IS 13783:1993 is significantly older and lacks the modern, formalized risk management framework that is central to current standards like BS 6164 and ITA guidelines.
≠International standards place strong emphasis on the Geotechnical Baseline Report (GBR) as a contractual tool for allocating ground condition risks, a concept not formalized in the IS code.
≠Modern international standards provide more detailed guidance on advanced waterproofing systems (e.g., PVC/HDPE membranes) and durability design, reflecting advancements since 1993.
≠BS 6164:2019 contains far more specific and stringent requirements for health and safety, particularly regarding atmospheric monitoring for toxic gases, ventilation redundancy, and fire life safety systems.
≠The IS code's treatment of the observational method (NATM) is descriptive, whereas standards like ÖNORM B 2203-1 provide a more rigorous, contractual basis for its implementation, monitoring, and decision-making process.
Key Similarities
≈All standards recognize the fundamental principle of conventional tunneling: sequential excavation followed by the installation of immediate ground support and a final lining.
≈There is a shared, critical emphasis on the necessity of comprehensive geological and geotechnical investigations as the primary input for design and support system selection.
≈The primary components of ground support systems, such as rock bolts, shotcrete (sprayed concrete), and steel ribs/lattice girders, are common across all the standards.
≈All codes advocate for the use of rock mass classification systems (e.g., RMR, Q-System) to categorize ground conditions and guide the selection of appropriate excavation and support strategies.
≈The importance of monitoring ground behavior, convergence, and settlement during construction is a common theme, serving as a key element of the observational approach.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Minimum air velocity in working areas0.3 m/s0.5 m/s in all accessible parts of the tunnelBS 6164:2019
Blasting vibration limit (PPV) for residential structuresTypically 5-10 mm/s (by reference to IS 6922)Guide value of 15 mm/s (at 4 Hz) to 20 mm/s (at 15 Hz) (by reference to BS 7385-2)BS 6164:2019
Shotcrete strength for temporary supportTypically 20-25 MPa (final strength), specified by design based on rock class.Focus on early strength (e.g., J2/J3 class) and final strength of C25/30 (30 MPa) or higher.ITA-AITES Guidelines
Tunnel applicability scopeLarge diameter tunnels, generally exceeding 3 meters.Applies to all man-entry tunnels regardless of diameter.BS 6164:2019
Grouting pressure for rock boltsGenerally 0.2 to 0.3 N/mm² (2 to 3 bar).Typically 2-5 bar, or sufficient to ensure full encapsulation without damaging the rock mass.FHWA-NHI-10-034
Maximum permissible concentration of CO50 ppm (0.005%)30 ppm (8-hour Time-Weighted Average)BS 6164:2019
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values5

Quick Reference Values
Typical allowable deviation in tunnel alignment±50 mm to ±100 mm
Typical annular gap for backfill grouting150 mm to 250 mm
Typical grout pressure1.5 to 2.0 times the overburden pressure
Minimum thickness of precast concrete segmentsGenerally not less than 150 mm, or D/50 (D=tunnel dia)
Minimum cover for tunneling under structuresOften > 1.5 times the tunnel diameter, project-specific
Key Formulas
H_p = (1.5B + 0.5H_t) — Rock load height in squeezing rock (mild)
P_v = γ * z — Vertical in-situ stress at depth z
t = (P * R) / σ_allow — Required support thickness (simplified membrane theory)

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1: Influence of Various Geological Conditions on the Selection and Performance of TBM
Table 2: Types of Segmental Linings
Key Clauses
Clause 4: Geotechnical Investigations
Clause 5: Selection of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)
Clause 6: Design of Tunnel Lining
Clause 7: Construction

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 456:2000Plain and Reinforced Concrete - Code of Pract...
→
IS 1786:2008High Strength Deformed Steel Bars and Wires f...
→
IS 1498:1970Classification and identification of soils fo...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What is the primary factor for selecting a TBM?+
The geological and hydrogeological conditions of the ground to be excavated are the most critical factors (Clause 5.2 and Table 1).
What are the common types of linings used with TBMs?+
Precast concrete segmental linings are the most common. In-situ concrete or steel ribs may also be used in specific conditions (Clause 6.2).
What is the purpose of backfill grouting?+
To fill the annular void between the excavated ground and the segmental lining, transfer ground loads to the lining, and prevent water ingress (Clause 7.5).
What level of geotechnical investigation is required?+
A detailed investigation is mandatory, covering geology, rock/soil mechanics, and hydrogeology to create a reliable geotechnical model for TBM selection and design (Clause 4).

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