Criteria for Selection of Tunnel Excavation Technology Applying TBM

The quality, volume, and costs of other underground works depend on the excavation technology. There are two possible options in long tunnels excavation technology: the drill-and-blast technique or mechanical boring of the entire diameter using the TBM. The form, location, length, and geology of long tunnels influence the application of one of the excavation options. In view of that fact, the paper considers the method of selection and the key decision making process when deciding on the introduction of one of the options. Selection rules which enable the planning of key technology processes for the transformation of long tunnel construction investment project, as a business and organisational system according to the planned basic project objectives are also presented. A rational and objective decision on the selection of one of the possible excavation methods can be made based on certain criteria that are interrelated and, in fact, form a system of criteria as one of the information subsystems in the long tunnel construction information project.