RESPEC supplies technical expertise to clients in the tunneling and shaft sinking market in the following areas:

• Tunnel / shaft design
• Bid document preparation
• Cost estimation
• Construction management

Site Characterization and Selection

RESPEC is experienced in the mapping and interpretation of surface geological features. These data and additional geological and geotechnical information obtained from core drilling and testing enable our engineers to characterize sites for feasibility of constructing roads, cuttings, and underground facilities. Detailed characterization also assists engineers in determining most favorable routes and sites for such facilities.

Tunnel / Shaft Design

From geotechnical data obtained in the field and from laboratory tests on rock specimens, our engineers design roads, tunnels, shafts, and other underground facilities. Designs include appropriate profiles and specifications for rock reinforcement such as rockbolts, shotcrete, sets, and concrete lining.

Bid Document Preparation

Our engineers are experienced in writing bid documents for drilling contractors, shaft sinking contractors, and tunneling contractors, and in incorporating geotechnical reports to enable contractors to price their bids appropriately.

Cost Estimation

RESPEC engineers have conducted cost estimations for a variety of clients for complex shaft and tunnels in the fields of mining, waste repositories, and government and commercial facilities.

Project and Construction Management

During the excavating of underground facilities our engineers assist clients with all aspects of contractor surveillance, including safety, quality assurance, materials testing, inspections, and claim reconciliation. RESPEC’s experience in these areas includes project and construction management for site roads, drainage culverts, portal cut excavations, tunnels, declines, and shafts. Our engineers are also experienced in major road construction, concrete design, ventilation, and geomechanical rock testing and instrumentation.

Major clients include the Department of Defense, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Department of Energy, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, and state government entities.