Abstract: Tunnels are more and more popular in the construction of the higher grades of highway in the mountain areas. The tunnel construction in the mountainous area is a challenge in the Southwestern China due to the complexities of the geologic conditions, especially, when the tunnel are penetrating through the coal bearing strata. The control monitoring is a key measure for the safe construction of the shallow buried tunnels. This paper presents a case history of the construction monitoring of the settlement at the tunnel crest and the deformation at the surrounding area. The deformation characteristics in the tunnel through coal bearing strata are summarized.

Key words: Shallow Buried, Coal Bearing Strata, Construction Monitor, Displacement Characteristics