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Currently, in mechanized tunneling, the steering of tunnel boring machines (TBM) in practice is mainly decided based on engineering expert knowledge and recorded monitoring data. In this chapter, a new concept of exploiting the advantages of simulation models to support the steering phase is presented, which allows optimizing the construction process. With the aim to support the steering decision during tunnel construction by means of real-time simulations, predictive simulation models are established in the initial planning phase of a tunnel project. The models are then capable of being continuously updated with monitoring data during the construction. The chapter focuses on explaining models for real-time predictions of logistics processes and tunneling induced settlements as well as the risk of building damage in more details. Additionally, application examples, which are practical-oriented, are also presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed concept.

Simulation models become widely used in the industry as they can provide a good prediction of a project's performance to support planning and decisionmaking. Process simulation is particularly interesting in mechanized tunneling projects, where processes interact very sophisticated. The productivity of such projects does not only depend on the performance of the main production processes, but is also significantly influenced by the performance of logistics and maintenance processes. In the planning phase, it is essential to analyze different supply systems and provide a detailed evaluation of them. So far, the simulation models developed are mainly used during the planning phase. However, during the execution of the project many parameters deviate from their predicted values and are subjected to uncertainties and unforeseen events that could not be considered beforehand. Hence, it is essential to be able to update the simulation model at different stages of the project to get a new prediction of the project performance and to enable an online-steering of the logistics processes. This paper proposes a method to perform a so-called continuous-update of a simulation model, including the validation of the implemented concept to proof that the validity of the online simulation model is maintained.

Digital design methods are constantly improving the planning procedure in tunnel construction. This development includes the implementation of rule-based systems, concepts for cross-document and -model data integration, and new evaluation concepts that exploit the possibilities of digital design. For planning in tunnel construction and alignment selection, integrated planning environments are created, which help in decision-making through interactive use. By integrating room-ware products, such as touch tables and virtual reality devices, collaborative approaches are also considered, in which decision-makers can be directly involved in the planning process. In current tunneling practice and during planning stage, Finite Element (FE) simulations form an integral element in the planning and the design phase of mechanized tunneling projects. The generation of adequate computational models is often time consuming and requires data from many different sources. Incorporating Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts offers opportunities to simplify this process by using geometrical BIM sub-models as a basis for structural analyses. In the following chapter, some modern possibilities of digital planning and evaluation of alignments in tunnel construction are explained in more detail. Furthermore, the conception and implementation of an interactive BIM and GIS integrated planning system, ‘‘BIM-to-FEM’’ technology which automatically extracts relevant information needed for FE simulations from BIM sub-models, the establishment of surrogate models for real-time predictions, as well as the evaluation and comparison of planning variants are presented.

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