A hybrid simulation approach for microtunneling construction planning

Moharrami, Saeid; Taghaddos, Maedeh; RazaviAlavi, SeyedReza; AbouRizk, Simaan M.

doi:10.1108/ci-05-2020-0068

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Ruwanpura and AbouRizk (2001) used simulation to predict the soil transition in tunneling. Marzouk et al (2010), Dang (2013) and Moharrami et al (2021) used simulation techniques for construction planning of micro tunneling projects.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simulation-based decision support tool for integrating site layout and construction planning of tunneling projects

RazaviAlavi

AbouRizk

2021

JEDT

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Purpose Integrating construction and site layout planning in mechanized tunnel infrastructure projects is essential due to the mutual impacts of construction planning and site layout decisions. Simulation can incorporate site layout planning and construction planning of tunneling projects in a unified environment. However, simulation adoption by industry practitioners has remained relatively limited due to the special skills required for building and using simulation models. Therefore, this paper aims to create a simple-to-use simulation tool that supports site layout and construction operation planning of tunneling projects. This tool intends to promote the simulation application in site layout planning. Design/methodology/approach The current paper proposes simulation as a decision support tool (DST) to provide an integrated environment for modeling tunnel construction operations, site layout and capturing the mutual impacts. A special purpose simulation (SPS) tool was customized and developed for typical mechanized tunneling projects, by tunnel boring machines, to facilitate building the model and allow access to users with limited simulation knowledge. Findings The results show that the developed SPS tool is of great assistance to construction industry practitioners to analyze a variety of site layout and construction plan scenarios and make informed decisions based on its comprehensive and intuitive outputs. Originality/value The main contribution of this research is to promote simulation application in site layout planning of tunneling projects through the development of a simple-to-use tool, which has sufficient details for site layout planning and constraints. The developed DST enables planners to make decisions simultaneously on the site layout, other construction planning variables and identify the most efficient plan.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

A simulation-based decision support tool for integrating site layout and construction planning of tunneling projects

RazaviAlavi

AbouRizk

2021

JEDT

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“…Simulation modeling has been used to study, analyze, and plan various types of tunneling projects, such as [20][21][22][23][24]. However, few tunneling studies have used simulation to model C&C [25] and microtunneling [26][27][28][29][30] construction methods. Although simulation has been used for tunneling projects, such as water and metro tunnels, a lack of research on using stochastic simulation for MUT construction to compare the duration and cost of different construction methods remains.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Stochastic Simulation of Construction Methods for Multi-purpose Utility Tunnels

Jorjam,

Mawlana,

Hammad

2023

Infrastructures

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The traditional method of installing underground utilities (e.g., water, sewer, gas pipes, electrical cables) by burying them under roads has been used for decades. However, the repeated excavations related to this method cause problems, such as traffic congestion and business disruption, which can significantly increase financial and social costs. Multi-purpose Utility Tunnels (MUTs) are a good alternative for buried utilities. Although the initial cost of MUTs is higher than that of the traditional method, social cost savings make them more feasible, especially in dense urban areas. Different factors, such as the specifications of utilities, the location of the MUTs, and the construction method, should be investigated to determine if MUTs can be an economical and practical alternative. The construction method is one of the most important factors to assess to have a successful MUT project and reduce its impact on the surrounding area. Simulation can be used to investigate the different construction methods of MUTs. In this paper, two Stochastic Discrete Event Simulation models depicting two MUT construction methods (i.e., microtunneling and cut-and-cover) are developed to analyze the duration and cost of the MUT projects. Also, 4D simulation models of these methods are developed for constructability assessment of these projects.

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“…Micro-tunnelling (MT) techniques became necessary as the demand for utility service lines with minimal surface disruption increased. MT is "a trenchless construction method for installing pipelines with all of the following features: remote-controlled from a control panel on the ground surface, laserguided, pipe sections jacked simultaneously as soil is excavated, with continuous support at the face of the excavation" (Moharrami et al, 2021). MT is a term used to describe remotely controlled pipe jacking operations.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Construction planning for MT projects is a complex process, leading activity and it is considered usually in the critical path for an infrastructure project. Therefore, delay in the construction of MT will lead to delay in project delivery (Moharrami et al, 2021). Despite the importance of this activity, the employed methodology has undergone minimal improvement.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing Micro-Tunnelling Activity in Infrastructure Construction Adopting Hybrid Lean Approaches: A Case Study

Kamal,

Al-Tamimi,

Hakouz

et al. 2023

The International Conference on Civil Infrastructure and Construction

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Micro-tunnelling Shaft Excavation (MTSE) is a major part in the development of infrastructure networks in Public Works Authority (ASHGHAL) projects in the State of Qatar. Despite the importance of this activity there has been minimal improvement to the existing methodology. Traditional methods are producing large amount of operational waste such as extra manhours, over-excavation and excess of backfilling materials used. Using collaborative pull planning, a system involving key stakeholders and last planners have been developed to streamline the micro-tunnelling activity. Using a panoply of lean tools, data collection and analysis, MTSE was monitored and evaluated through the Plan, DO, Check and Act (PDCA) cycle that led to around 60% of time saving. The paper summarises the process improvement using collaborative pull planning and applying PDCA with project stakeholders' engagement.

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A hybrid simulation approach for microtunneling construction planning

Cited by 5 publications

References 27 publications

A simulation-based decision support tool for integrating site layout and construction planning of tunneling projects

A simulation-based decision support tool for integrating site layout and construction planning of tunneling projects

Stochastic Simulation of Construction Methods for Multi-purpose Utility Tunnels

Enhancing Micro-Tunnelling Activity in Infrastructure Construction Adopting Hybrid Lean Approaches: A Case Study

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