No abstract

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.

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.

Effective exploration techniques during mechanized tunneling are of high importance in order to prevent severe surface settlements as well as a damage of the tunnel boring machine, which in turn would lead to additional costs and a standstill in the construction process. A seismic methodology called full waveform inversion can bring a considerable improvement compared to state-of-the-art seismic methods in terms of precision. Another method of exploration during mechanized tunneling is to continuously monitor subsurface behavior and then use this data to identify disturbances through pattern recognition and machine learning techniques. Various probabilistic methods for conducting system identification and proposing an appropriate monitoring plan are developed in this regard. Furthermore, ground conditions can be determined by studying boring machine data collected during the excavation. The active and passive obtained data during performance of a shield driven machine were used to estimate soil parameters. The monitoring campaign can be extended to include above-ground structural surveillance as well as terrestrial and satellite data to track displacements of existing infrastructure caused by tunneling. The available radar data for the Wehrhahn-line project are displayed and were utilized to precisely monitor the process of anticipated uplift by injections and any subsequent ground building settlements.