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Observational Method as Risk Management Tool: the Hvalfjörður Tunnel Project, Iceland
KTH, School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE), Civil and Architectural Engineering, Soil and Rock Mechanics.ORCID iD: 0000-0002-8597-970X
KTH, School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE), Civil and Architectural Engineering, Soil and Rock Mechanics.ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5372-7519
KTH, School of Architecture and the Built Environment (ABE), Civil and Architectural Engineering, Soil and Rock Mechanics.ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9615-4861
(English)Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Rock tunnel construction is often associated with considerable geotechnical uncertainty, often due to limited knowledge about the ground conditions. This warrants the use of stringent risk management procedures to reduce the likelihood of cost increases, delays, and structural failure events. The observational method is often promoted as a tool to achieve cost-effective designs in cases of large geotechnical uncertainty, but its practical use is still limited. One reason may be the lack of guidelines and experiences from previous projects where the observational method has been used. In this paper we therefore present a case study of the design and construction of the tunnel under the Hvalfjörður fjord in Iceland, where the observational method played a key role in the risk management that was performed to deal with the challenging geological conditions at the site. The project was a success and completed four months earlier than originally planned. In light of the case study, we discuss the definition of the observational method in Eurocode 7 and the related contractual and project management aspects to consider in such projects. 

Keywords [en]
Risk management; observational method; Turn-key contract; Eurocode 7; Tunnel; Case study
National Category
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
Research subject
Civil and Architectural Engineering, Soil and Rock Mechanics
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-294100OAI: oai:DiVA.org:kth-294100DiVA, id: diva2:1553241
Funder
Svenska Byggbranschens Utvecklingsfond (SBUF), 11704
Note

QC 20210527

Available from: 2021-05-07 Created: 2021-05-07 Last updated: 2025-02-07Bibliographically approved

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Tidlund, MatsSpross, JohanLarsson, Stefan
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CiteExportLink to record
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Citation style
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