Pilot Tunnels: Contractor's Position
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 114, Issue 4
Abstract
Geologic uncertainty in underground construction promotes design and construction conservatism and has a significant impact on project cost. Site investigation can reduce this uncertainty and decrease the contingency amounts included in bids. Pilot tunnels are one of the best geologic exploration methods, but they are also one of the most expensive. This paper presents the contractor's view concerning the usefulness of constructing a pilot tunnel as part of the site investigation program and offers guidelines for evaluating its benefits. These benefits can be realized both prior to and during construction. They include furnishing information about the geology and its behavior, and facilitating design development and construction operations. Pilot tunnels are generally most useful in large projects with limited surface access, and where the geologic conditions are unfavorable. Depending on project conditions, the construction of a pilot tunnel can reduce bid contingencies up to 20% of the project cost.
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References
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Ioannou, P. G. (1984). “The economic value of geologic exploration as a risk reduction strategy in underground construction,” thesis presented to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at Cambridge, Mass., in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
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Lane, K. S. (1975). “Field test sections save cost in tunnel support.” Report from the Underground Construction Research Council, ASCE, New York, N.Y.
3.
Merritt, A. H. (1972). “Geologic predictions for underground excavations.” Proc., North American Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conf., Vol. 1, American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, Inc., New York, N.Y. 115–132.
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Robinson, C. S. (1972). “Prediction of geology for tunnel design and construction.” Proc., of the North American Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conf., Vol. 1, American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers, Inc., New York, N.Y., 105–114.
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Stasiewicz, P. H. (1981). “Improving the contractual aspects of underground construction,” thesis presented to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at Cambridge, Mass., in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Civil Engineer.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 114 • Issue 4 • December 1988
Pages: 594 - 613
Copyright
Copyright © 1988 ASCE.
History
Published online: Dec 1, 1988
Published in print: Dec 1988
Authors
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