The construction of tunnels and rock caverns in connection with transportation, hydropower developments and other infrastructure has made Norwegian engineering world-leading in engineering geology and rock mechanics.

NGI's state-of-the-art expertise

• Material properties of fractured rock
• Rock mass modelling
• Rock classification and required support (the Q-method)

Services related to engineering geology and rock mechanics

Construction in rock requires knowledge of the properties of the rock masses. Our expertise in general geology, engineering geology, rock mechanics, geotechnics and hydrogeology enables us to make assessments, and plan and design the construction of tunnels and underground caverns.

Having developed the Q-method, the well-known rock mass classification method and required support, NGI has extensive skills in the use of other classification methods.

We have state-of-the-art expertise in the use of sophisticated analytical models for rock masses, to evaluate deformations, stresses, water flow, as well as the effect of alternative rock support.

Research and development
NGI's engineering geology and rock mechanics research is concentrated on the following:

• further development of the Q-method
• verification of heavy rock support
• verification and documentation of tunnel stability
• black shale

The book Norges tunnelgeologi, by Fredrik Løset (available only in Norwegian), provides a comprehensive description of various tunnels and rock caverns and a systematic review of the geology and challenges related to tunnel building in Norway. You can read excerpts from the book here. It can be ordered via NGI's Document Centre, and costs NOK 400 + postage. Enquiries should be addressed to ngi@ngi.no.