Using fuzzy cognitive map to perceive ground settlement in tunnel construction

• Main Author: Ng, Yi Fan
• Other Authors: Zhang Limao
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Civil engineering::Construction technology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/78593
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) driven tunnel construction, there is always an associated problem of ground settlement occurring. Presently, there is no means of predicting whether settlement will occur during construction with the standard approach to the problem being to design tunnels and sequence works to compensate for settlement. This report summarises the work done by the author in investigating the potential application of Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM) for predicting the likely causes of ground settlement during tunnel construction. This is done by first determining 10 variables that affect ground settlement through literature review and consultation with the Land Transport Authority (LTA). These variables are then weighted with respect to one another, taking into account subject expert opinions which were garnered from survey responses. A FCM model is then drawn up using a FCM software using the survey data and subsequently run through the software, with the results compared with prior knowledge and trends of ground settlement. 2 different types of analysis are conducted to get a better sensing of how the model works and to cross-check its viability. Results obtained suggest that FCM can be a good tool for simplifying complex construction problems such as predicting ground settlement causes. However, the procedure leading up to the model formation should be more refined and detailed so as to improve the reliability and usefulness of the results.