MANAGEMENT OF RISK IN TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION

Rod Vincent, FIEAust, FIStructE Australian Power and Water

Tunnels have an important role to play in every day life for transport, water supply and hydropower generation.

Define Risk
Failure of structure(s) and subsequent loss of life and/or infrastructure Failure to deliver planned results Late delivery and consequent financial loss to owner Contractual disputes, claims etc.

Physical Risk factors

In tunnelling and other underground works, the major physical risk factors are geological

Managing Physical Risk

The first step is to have a well-planned geological and geotechnical program Without a knowledge and understanding of the geological conditions the designer is working blindfolded

However, the owner must balance the cost of extensive investigation against the returns. In difficult mountainous terrain, it might be almost impossible to locate and service a drilling rig that might achieve little, whereas in an urban environment with problematic ground conditions, such as Kuala Lumpur shallow holes at close spacing are a necessity.

Managing Construction Risk

Using the geotechnical information acquired, the designer nominates temporary and permanent support for the tunnels. In soft ground, machine bored tunnels this would typically be concrete or cast iron ring segments installed immediately behind the cutting head

Managing Construction Risk - 2

In hard rock tunnels support is typically rock bolts, with or without shotcrete

Managing Construction Risk - 3

Specify constant supervision and supervisor to specify what support necessary within short period after mucking out and before drilling next round commences. Where unstable ground is predicted, require probing ahead of face to confirm conditions so that proactive measures can be taken

Managing Construction Risk - 5

30 m

Managing Contractual Risk

Documentation must be sound. Tenderers should be prequalified to ensure they have relevant experience and financial capability

RISK IN URBAN ENVIRONMENT

Need for thorough investigation of existing structures Planning and environment If agreements with stakeholders not finalised there is risk of delays Future development do not sterilize the site

KUALA LUMPUR: It was cheers all around as the face of Chinatown in Petaling Street will remain despite the construction of the MY Rapid Transit (MRT) Monday February 27, 2012 Jalan Sultan shopowners worry over MRT Corps ultimatum THE two shopowners in Jalan Sultan, Petaling Street, who have not agreed to the terms given by Mass Rapid Transit Corporation want a guarantee that their buildings will be safe before they decide on a mutual agreement.