DESIGN OF UNDERGROUND INSTALLATIONS IN ROCK

Army Tech Manual TM 5-857-3

This obscure and unusual 1961 manual details how the U.S. military goes about planning/constructing underground installations and bases. Chock-full of intricate details on design criteria, costing, construction methods and various special features like multiple portals, blast doors, ventilation considerations. If you ever wanted to build your own secret underground lair...then this is the book for you.


All aspects of an underground installation are covered in great detail, from layouts for warehouses vs. office work vs. light manufacturing, construction methods depending on rock types, tunneling/drilling/blasting, support and drainage considerations, and tons of information on excavation techniques used in rock mining to create chambers, tunnels, housing and even roadways. Chapters included are: 

Primary entrances

Secondary openings

Space layout

Excavation costs

Excavation methods

Horizontal openings in intact rock

Methods And Equipment For Excavating High Chambers 

Shaft Raising 

Methods And Equipment For Sinking Inclines

Hauling And Dumping

Support In Tunnels

Special Support Methods

...and more


A fascinating look at an era during the Cold War when the planning of such secret bases was not only routine, but commonplace. If you have ever wondered how an underground base, like Cheyenne Mountain HQ for NORAD, was built under a solid granite mountain this enlightening book will provide many answers. 

Keywords:  Technical,manual,bunker,construction,tunnel,chamber,shelter