Articles & Researchs
26
combined with the preparation of
covers all aforementioned project
coupled
with
guidelines
to
the necessary designs (containing
stages ­ is implemented and
designers as to the preparation
a sufficient detail level for the
adopted. It is of nonnegotiable
and
implementation
of
a
subsequent procurement stage)
importance that an experienced
comprehensive
tunnel
risk
are
dominating
contribution
Risk Engineer being involved from
management system. In numerous
factors. All the above items are, in
the very early stages until the final
cases, probabilistic approaches
general, incurring a relatively low
completion and hand-over of the
and methodologies have also
investment cost which, in contrast,
project.
proventheirmeritsandaddedvalue.
can impart significant merits and
An
experienced
and
skilled
One of the initial steps to be carried
outcomes.
Risk Engineer could identify the
out with demonstrable criticality
potential hazardous circumstances
and importance is the undertaking
Importance of Project Owner
and pitfalls to the project and pro-
of a benchmarking exercise
Throughout the whole project
actively endeavor to mitigate
against the TCoP. This effort aims
life, the primary stakeholder is its
them. Due care should be given
at reviewing the Project & Risk
ultimate owner. Due to its distinct
to these categories of interest that
Management frameworks and
role, he owns the business case
emerge as the most important and
procedures of the project, timely
and is ultimately responsible of
most influential to a tunnel failure.
highlighting any deficiencies and/
defining the project targets and
As per the work carried out by
or areas of improvement. As part
outcomes. His choices can have
[5], the main three categories are
of the continuous risk engineering
an indelible imprint on the project
Ground Conditions; Design and
and management of a tunnel
and its level of successfulness
Construction
Management.
In
project, regular risk engineering site
or failure. The actual flow and
total, the above categories count
surveys must be carried out with
progress of the project are highly
for almost 80% of the overall causes
the focus being on the project's
dependent upon the selection of
of underground failures. The same
risk profile and ensuring adherence
all partners and stakeholders that
conclusion could also be derived
to the principles
will be responsible of its delivery.
by the work carried out by Reiner,
of the TCoP.
As an imminent failure incident
2011.
can
substantially
affect
all
In this effort, there are well-
CONCLUSIONS
stakeholders,
including
the
established and world-recognized
All Underground works and Tunnels
independent third parties, the
tools that, if used prudently, could
are constantly facing hazardous
owner ought to host a sufficient
massively improve the situation
situations with the risk of a failure
inhouse technical, political and
and significantly reduce the
looming. This contribution has
managerial experience level that
tunnel failures frequency and
elaborated on the most prominent
will safeguard the safety and
their subsequent consequences.
causes of a tunnel failure and
integrity of the project. In any
The "Code of Practice for Risk
the role they play. It discusses the
opposite case, it is imperative That
Management of Tunneling Works
main areas of interest with explicit
he is vigilant and meticulous when
­ TCoP" document has proven
references to the key factors
delegating these tasks to a project
to have assisted in reducing
that could lead to a successful
manager or other representative.
tunnel failures in direct proportion
project realization. The valuable
to abiding by its principles
contribution of a pro-active risk
RISK ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
and `spirit'. Timely recognition,
engineering management has
Despite the inherent and perpetual
comprehension, addressing and
been explicitly highlighted along
uncertainties associated with the
management of the project-
with the prominent role and
design and construction of tunnels
specific existing and emerging risks,
responsibilities of an experienced
and underground works, there are
is essential towards a tailored and
risk engineer. A thorough
things to be done and actions to be
well-established risk management
investigation and comprehension
taken towards a better and more
plan.
of each project's particularities,
effective management of the
The "ITA ­ AITES Guidelines for
combined with an holistic risk
project hazards and risk exposures.
Tunnelling Risk Assessment, 2006"
management
approach,
can
These steps could be outlined and
document constitutes another
effectively contribute in minimizing
described in the context of Risk
powerful asset in dealing with risk
the failures frequency, reducing
Engineering Management plan.
management.
their consequences and reinforce
It constitutes the backbone of a
It
provides
indications
on
confidence
in
the
tunneling
successful project when a pro-
recommended
industry
best-
industry.
active approach ­ that spans and
practice for risk management

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