The primary goal of this proposal is to increase safety and minimize the risks of building major underground infrastructure systems by enhancing existing methods for stochastic subsurface characterization, hazard and risk assessment and management. The specific goals of the project are to develop a framework calibrated for worldwide large-scale tunneling projects capable of: (1) 3D stochastic modeling of the subsurface to quantify the effects of subsurface uncertainties on tunnel construction (2) determining most likely hazards along a tunnel route for identification of ‘risky’ spots along tunnel alignment (3) performing quantitative risk assessment during the design and construction phases.

This methodology and resulting interactive decision support system will have the potential to be used in the design and construction of different tunnels in the US by local, regional and federal agencies, or by private companies.