Analysis of Microtunnelling Using Process Simulation Module

The use of process simulation module can be benefit for planning and operating a microtunnelling project. Thereby, problems at different construction phases can be anticipated and analyzed. Moreover, it has potential to optimize usage of resources, to develop better project plans, to minimize costs or project duration, to improve overall construction project management and to avoid costly mistakes. This research presents an approach for analyzing construction operations with Microtunnel Boring Machines (MTBM) utilizing process simulation module. It helps to analyze the processes and to identify the influence of disturbances on the productivity of MTBM operations. In view of these objectives, the MiSAS (Microtunnelling: Statistics, Analysis and Simulation) module is introduced and applied. The MiSAS simulation module allows to evaluate the impact of the disturbances and predict the resulting tunnel advance rate. Within the paper an actual microtunnelling projects at the city of Recklinghausen, Germany, is used for the case study.