Simulation-based planning and steering of mechanized tunneling projects considering onsite and offsite logistics processes (T03#)

• Subject Area: Structural Engineering, Building Informatics and Construction Operation
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 77309832

The availability of mechanised tunnelling systems is strongly dependent on the design and performance of the support and maintenance processes. Sub-project C3 of Collaborative Research Center 837 "Interaction Modeling in Mechanized Tunneling" is investigating the analysis and control of tunneling processes with the help of tunnel construction-specific simulation models. The aim of the proposed transfer project is to further develop these simulation concepts and methodologies for application in practice.Cooperation between the applicants and the practice partner Herrenknecht AG is essential for the evaluation and further development of the simulation concepts. Based on data sets from reference projects of Herrenknecht AG, the existing knowledge-based database will be expanded by tunneling data, disturbances and maintenance scenarios. Further, the necessary level of detail of simulation models for the planning and control of mechanised tunneling will be reviewed, taking into account onsite and offsite logistics processes. The extension of the existing modular concept for the implementation of simulation models by a generative approach with preconfigured templates is another essential step to enable the transfer into practice. Furthermore, approaches are being developed to enable the display of disturbances on the basis of real tunneling data and to integrate these context-specifically into the simulation models.Another focus of the transfer project is the extension of the simulation approach to include supply and disposal concepts for a holistic view of a project. For the coupling of onsite and offsite logistics, the main material flows of segment supply and waste disposal are being investigated and modeled using simulation technology. This also includes the integration of the transport routes of the external logistics. The transfer project also aims to transfer digital planning and real-time data into the simulation models as automatically as possible and to develop the necessary program interfaces, which will also enable online simulation throughout the excavation. Together with Herrenknecht AG, the practical suitability will be evaluated over the entire duration of the transfer project and validated on the basis of completed construction projects. In particular, real-time simulation concepts will be demonstrated using a real reference project.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres (Transfer Project)
• Subproject of: SFB 837: Interaction Modelling in Mechanised Tunnelling
• Applicant Institution: Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Project Heads: Professor Dr.-Ing. Markus König; Professor Dr.-Ing. Markus Thewes