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Passive support

Passive support systems provide ground control after excavation by stabilizing the tunnel perimeter and managing loads caused by ground deformation. Acting within the excavation profile, they help maintain stability and support the surrounding rock or soil mass. Sandvik Ground Support offers a range of passive support solutions, including steel ribs, lattice girders, liner plates, and LSC™ Elements for challenging and highly deformable ground conditions.

Passive support solutions

LSC™ Elements

Lining Stress Controllers (LSC™) are ductile support elements designed to control stress-induced deformations in weak ground during tunneling.
Installed in longitudinal construction joints of the primary tunnel lining, LSC™ composite elements absorb ground movements and relieve stresses before structural damage occurs.

Steel ribs

Steel ribs are high-capacity passive support elements designed to stabilize tunnels, shafts, and underground excavations. Installed after excavation, they provide reliable load-bearing support around the excavation profile and help maintain stability in challenging ground conditions. Available in a range of profiles and dimensions, steel ribs can be tailored to specific project and ground requirements.

Lattice girders

Lattice girders are versatile passive support elements used to stabilize excavations and reinforce shotcrete linings in tunneling projects. Acting as both structural support and a profile guide, they help maintain excavation geometry and improve lining performance across a wide range of ground conditions, including soft ground, mixed-face, and rock environments.

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