THE USE OF EXPLORATORY TUNNELS AS A TOOL FOR SCHEDULING AND COST ESTIMATION

Abstract

Exploratory tunnels are commonly used for examining the geotechnical and structural aspects of proposed tunnel alignments. This paper explores the utilisation of exploratory tunnels as a project management tool for estimating the cost and duration of construction for the entire project. Data were collected from the Kaponig 2,75 kilometers exploratory tunnel, a part of a double‐track high‐speed railway development in Austria. This knowledge and experience was used to evaluate the risks associated with design details for the final tunnel enlargement (alignment and grade, support requirements and excavation methods). A deterministic model based on Monte Carlo simulation was developed capable of predicting potential outcomes of the total project in terms of cost, duration and their associated probabilities.