Utility construction projects have great opportunities for simulation applications in construction. This paper describes the special purpose tunneling simulation template developed based on the tunneling operations performed at the City of Edmonton Public Works Department for shielded tunnel boring machines. The tunneling operations are described, then the tunnel template and its components are illustrated. The results generated from the template using the historical data to test the template and to analyze the potential construction processes are presented. Future embellishments to the tunneling template are briefly described.

Simulation is a powerful tool for decision making. It provides an appealing approach to analyze and improve repetitive processes such as tunnelling. Notwithstanding this appeal, application of simulation to real-life construction projects has been minimal. This paper describes the design, development, and application of a special purpose simulation tool for actual tunnel construction operations performed by the City of Edmonton Public Works Department. The implementation of this tool in industry was successful and serves as a model for others to follow. The decision-making process adopted by the model developers and the construction industry personnel during the design, development, and implementation of the simulation are described. The cost-planning tool in the tunnel template is very useful in making decisions and evaluating the feasibility of tunnel construction projects. The real-life application of various alternatives compared to the conceptual estimates prepared for a proposed tunnel project to be constructed in Edmonton is presented in three stages. The basic costs, operational costs, support costs, productivity, duration, and resources utilization data are presented for different alternatives for the proposed tunnel project. Future modifications required by the engineering staff of the City of Edmonton, and the proposed research for modelling uncertainties in tunnel construction are identified. The successful application of the simulation for actual construction project highlights the interactive collaborative research work between academia and industry.Key words: simulation, tunnelling, construction, modelling, planning.

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