In this paper, an optimal lightweight foamed mortar mix suitable is proposed for facilitating tunnel drainage carried out using the composite lining method. A physical performance evaluation and pore structure analysis is provided in order to assess the performance of different lightweight foamed mortar mix proportions with various void fractions and foam solution concentrations. Furthermore, on the basis of an in-plane permeability test that simulated the permeation of fines of soil leaking with underground water, the formation and distribution of open-cell foams by measuring the outflow characteristics and outflow volume for each mix of the nonwoven geotextile and lightweight foamed mortar, which are the existing tunnel drainage materials was examined. Consequently, a mix employing a foaming agent with a dilution rate of 2% (#1) showed a better drain performance than all the other mixes, because it had the most appropriately formed and distributed open-cell foams, the key component for tunnel drainage. In other words, the mix of dilution rate of 2% was thought to have achieved stable closed-cell foams because of the decline in the surface tension of the foams, as well as the optimal formation and distribution of open-cell foams that possess excellent permeability because of the cohesiveness between the foams. Moreover, the thickness (drainage space) of it was approximately 17 times that of the nonwoven geotextile, and because the closed-cell and open-cell foams were connected like a spider web, it could be expected to reduce the blocking of drainage caused by the fines of soil. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.