Life cycle management model for tunnels
Last modified: 2019-03-04
Abstract
Generally problems related to tunnel degradation can be divided into those caused by external pressure and those caused by the deterioration of materials. These problems are gradually increased through all life cycle stages of a concrete structure such as a tunnel, therefore decisions about the timing and the type of maintenance should be based on degradation prediction models and monitoring of the structure performance or degradation processes. Uncertainties in the decision making process can be decreased by using information from monitoring which are used to establish triggering thresholds for the structure passing certain performance levels. In this paper the use of monitored tunnel deformations in a life cycle management model for a tunnel is presented. The monitoring data gives information about tunnel long term deformations that are used in the decision making process, in order to prevent occurrence of tunnel damage and consequently large maintenance costs.