Development of new excavation productivity functions and risk management framework for deep underground development projects

• Main Author: Chew, Tyng Cheong.
• Other Authors: Tiong Lee Kong, Robert
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Civil engineering::Construction management
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/52594
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Singapore has been developing rapidly in the recent years and the issue with shortage of land has become a major problem. Now, with the advancement in technology and availability of skilled labour, the government is considering the usage of underground space for future land optimisation and growth. However, one needs to be aware that underground development projects involve high degree of complexity and uncertainties. Not only is rock construction complicated by engineering factors and safety concerns, economical viability is also necessary to justify the high capital invested. Therefore, such risks must be identified, evaluated and managed as in a risk management framework. This report aims to develop new excavation productivity functions and risk management framework for deep underground development projects. It begins with the study and identification of risks and their contributing factors related to the excavation process for a particular tunnel layout. This is followed by determining how two different arrangements of tunnel network (different network sequence) can affect the excavation time and cost in the particular tunnel layout. This is achieved through the use of simulation program (DAT) where the risks are evaluated through an assessment of its probability of occurrence and its negative consequences in terms of excavation cost and time. The highlight of the report is the establishment of productivity function as the risk mitigation method in addressing the uncertainties faced in deep underground development projects. The excavation rate and cost of tunnels is affected by the productivity of the muck transportation system, which is different for different arrangements of the tunnel network. This understanding then lead to the study of the productivity of the horizontal muck transportation system as the risk mitigating factor. Cycle time and productivity equations are developed and incorporated into a deterministic model. This deterministic model is applied in DAT simulations to compare and analyse the productivity of horizontal muck transportation for both tunnel networks. From there conclusions can be drawn to determine whether the productivity of horizontal muck transportation system can be a mitigating factor in reducing the risks (in terms of excavation time and cost) for deep underground development projects.