Analysis for Tunnel Construction Technology

Tunnel construction in infrastructure projects plays an important role for enhancing the transportation networks, especially in congested cities. Tunnel projects are classified by long durations, large cost projects, complexities, repetitive construction tasks, risks, and uncertainties. Many construction techniques have been developed in tunnel construction industry to improve the construction of tunnels and decrease its impact on ground movements and its surrounding structures. This paper presents a structure for planning tunnel construction using simulation technique. The tool aids contractors in estimating the required time and cost for tunnels construction. Many construction methods and techniques have been made into consideration for the development of this tool which can be used on ground with different techniques. The proposed structure consists of three modules: (a) simulation technique,(b) tunnel analyzer module, and (c) decision support technique. This structure can be utilized in selecting the best construction technique using fuzzy group decision-making method based on time, cost and other selection criteria that could be defined during the decision-making. This decision method is characterized using different supporting alternatives by a group of experts and a predefined set of criteria.