Enhancing Large-Diameter Tunnel Construction Safety with Robust Optimization and Machine Learning Integrated into BIM
Authors: Singh Jagendra , Singh Prabhishek , Ravi Vinayakumar , Kumar Sandeep , Al Mazroa Alanoud , Diwakar Manoj , Gupta Indrajeet 
Published: October 2024

Aim
This study aims to enhance safety in large diameter tunnel construction by integrating robust optimization and machine learning (ML) techniques with Building Information Modeling (BIM). By acquiring and preprocessing various datasets, implementing feature engineering, and using algorithms like SVM, decision trees, ANN, and random forests, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of ML models in risk prediction and mitigation, ultimately advancing safety performance in civil engineering projects.

Background
Large diameter tunnel construction presents significant safety challenges. Traditional methods often fall short of effectively predicting and mitigating risks. This study addresses these gaps by integrating robust optimization and machine learning (ML) approaches with Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. By acquiring and preprocessing diverse datasets, implementing feature engineering, and employing ML algorithms, the study aims to enhance risk prediction and safety measures in tunnel construction projects.

Objective
The objective of this study is to improve safety in large diameter tunnel construction by integrating robust optimization and machine learning (ML) techniques with Building Information Modeling (BIM). This involves acquiring and preprocessing diverse datasets, using feature engineering to extract key parameters, and applying ML algorithms like SVM, decision trees, ANN, and random forests to predict and mitigate risks, ultimately enhancing safety performance in civil engineering projects.

Methods
The study's methods include acquiring and preprocessing various datasets (geological, structural, environmental, operational, historical, and simulation). Feature engineering techniques are used to extract key safety parameters for tunnels. Machine learning algorithms, such as decision trees, support vector machines (SVM), artificial neural networks, and random forests, are employed to analyze the data and predict construction risks. The SVM algorithm, with a 98.76% accuracy, is the most reliable predictor.

Results
The study found that the Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm was the most accurate predictor of risks in large diameter tunnel construction, achieving a 98.76% accuracy rate. Other models, such as decision trees, artificial neural networks, and random forests, also performed well, validating the effectiveness of ML-based solutions for risk assessment and mitigation. These predictive models enable stakeholders to monitor construction, allocate resources, and implement preventative measures effectively.

Conclusion
The study concludes that integrating machine learning (ML) approaches with Building Information Modeling (BIM) significantly improves safety in large diameter tunnel construction. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm, with 98.76% accuracy, is the most reliable predictor of risks. Other models, like decision trees, artificial neural networks, and random forests, also perform well, validating ML-based solutions for risk assessment. Adopting these ML approaches enhances safety performance and resource management in civil engineering projects.