Models for the analysis of tunnelling construction processses

In general, tunnelling construction processes are considered to be quite complex. They involve many variables which interact with each other and the resourced used. Hence, it is quite difficult to explain the reasons for scheduled delay and cost overruns in these processes. In order to understand and improve the tunnelling construction processes, and consequently minimize the sources of delay and increasing costs, various types of methods and tools have been developed. In construction management, models are often used to solve problems related to planning and control, project scheduling, cash flow management and resource management. This study focuses on tunnelling processes, with the goal to develop methods and tools to be used to gain understanding of these processes, and to analyze them. Both, deterministic and simulation models were proposed, describing the behaviour of tunnelling construction using different systems to deal with the issues of excavation and materials handling.