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IS 5878 : 1970Glossary of terms relating to tunneling

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ASTM D653 · ITA-AITES Report 002 (2016) · ISO 14689
CurrentRareTerminologyGeotechnical · Tunneling and Underground Structures
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OverviewInternationalTablesFAQ4

IS 5878:1970 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for glossary of terms relating to tunneling. This standard, now withdrawn, provided a comprehensive glossary of technical terms used in tunneling and underground excavation. It aimed to establish a common vocabulary for professionals in the field, covering aspects from geology and excavation to support systems.

Defines various terms commonly used in the field of tunneling, covering different aspects of tunnel design and construction.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Rare
Domain
Geotechnical — Tunneling and Underground Structures
Type
Terminology
Amendments
Amendment 1 (May 1974); Amendment 2 (Feb 1976); Amendment 3 (Sep 1986)
International equivalents
ASTM D653-14 · ASTM International, USAITA-AITES Report 002 (2016) · International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES), InternationalISO 14689:2017 · International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International
Practical Notes
! This code is withdrawn and has been superseded by the multi-part IS 5878 series, which are now 'Codes of Practice' rather than just a glossary.
! While officially withdrawn, the fundamental definitions provided in this document are still relevant for understanding the evolution of tunneling terminology in India.
! Engineers should always refer to the latest active parts of IS 5878 for current guidelines and definitions.
Updates & Amendments3 amendments
Amendment 1 (May 1974)
Amendment 2 (Feb 1976)
Amendment 3 (Sep 1986)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
rocksoilconcretesteelexplosives

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
BS 6100-2.2:1992British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighWithdrawn
Glossary of building and civil engineering terms. Sub-structures and foundations. Tunnels
Directly equivalent as a dedicated glossary of tunneling terminology, though now outdated.
ASTM D653-14ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
Covers fundamental geotechnical and geological terms essential for tunneling, but is not specific to tunneling itself.
ITA-AITES Report 002 (2016)International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES), International
LowCurrent
Guidelines for the design of shield tunnel lining
Not a glossary, but its definitions section provides modern terminology for TBM and segmental linings missing from IS 5878.
ISO 14689:2017International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International
MediumCurrent
Geotechnical investigation and testing — Identification, description and classification of rock
Provides standardized terminology for describing rock, a core component of hard rock tunneling terminology.
Key Differences
≠IS 5878:1970 focuses heavily on conventional tunneling (drill-and-blast, hand-mining) and lacks terminology for modern mechanized tunneling, such as Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machines, Slurry Shields, or two-component backfill grouting, which are extensively defined in modern ITA guidelines.
≠The Indian standard is a standalone glossary document. In contrast, many modern international standards integrate definitions into broader design, construction, or safety codes (e.g., definitions in EN 16191 for TBM safety).
≠IS 5878:1970 has minimal terminology related to modern geotechnical investigation, instrumentation, monitoring, and risk management. International standards like those from ISO or ASTM provide detailed, standardized vocabulary for these critical aspects.
≠The definition of a 'Shield' in IS 5878 is generic, describing a basic movable protective structure. International standards provide detailed classifications and definitions for different types of complex TBM shields (e.g., open, closed, EPB).
Key Similarities
≈Fundamental geometric and spatial terms for a tunnel like 'Crown', 'Invert', 'Axis', 'Portal', and 'Shaft' are defined in a conceptually identical manner across all standards.
≈Terminology related to conventional drill-and-blast tunneling methods, such as 'Heading', 'Face', 'Mucking', 'Overbreak', and 'Blasting', share common definitions as these methods are long-established.
≈Basic terms for primary ground support elements used in conventional tunneling, like 'Ribs' and 'Lagging', are consistent between IS 5878 and other international glossaries.
≈Core geological terms that describe ground conditions, such as 'Rock', 'Soil', 'Fault', and 'Water Table', are universally understood and defined similarly, forming a common basis for all tunneling standards.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)Defines 'Mole': A type of tunnelling machine for boring through rock. (A very basic definition).Defines 'Tunnel boring machine (TBM)' with subdivisions for Open TBM, Shield TBM, EPB Shield, Slurry Shield, etc., detailing their function.EN 16191:2014
LiningStructure of masonry, concrete, steel or timber to secure the excavated section of a tunnel.The structural support of the tunnel... For shield tunnelling, the lining is commonly composed of precast concrete segments.ITA-AITES Report 002
GroutingThe process of injecting under pressure grout (a mixture of cement and water with or without sand) to fill voids.Specifies 'Backfill Grouting' (or Tail-void Grouting) and distinguishes between single-component and 'two-component grout' with specific setting properties.ITA-AITES Report 002
OverbreakThe quantity of rock excavated beyond the prescribed tunnel section.Rock or other material excavated outside the intended profile of an excavation.BS 6100-2.2:1992
InvertThe lowest part of the internal surface of a tunnel.The lowest point on the internal surface of the cross-section of a tunnel, conduit, or channel.BS 6100-2.2:1992
Rock ClassificationDefines basic rock types (e.g., 'Hard rock', 'Soft rock') in general terms.Provides a systematic framework for describing rock material and mass based on strength, weathering, spacing of discontinuities, etc.ISO 14689:2017
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

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Tables & Referenced Sections

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Frequently Asked Questions4

Is IS 5878:1970 still a valid standard?+
No, it is withdrawn and has been superseded by the multi-part IS 5878 series starting with IS 5878 (Part 1):1971.
What was the main purpose of this standard?+
Its purpose was to define and standardize the terminology used in tunneling to ensure clear communication among engineers, geologists, and contractors.
What is an 'Adit' according to this glossary?+
An adit is defined as a nearly horizontal passage driven from the surface into the side of a hill, used for access, drainage, or exploration of a tunnel.
What is the difference between 'Lining' and 'Support'?+
Lining is the permanent structure to ensure final stability and shape, while support refers to temporary or permanent measures (e.g., rock bolts, shotcrete) to control the ground during excavation.

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