Integration of construction and traffic engineering in simulating pipe-jacking operations in urban areas

Construction simulation and traffic simulation are complementary to successful planning of microtunneling and pipe-jacking operations in urban areas. With increasing concerns on sustainable development, it is imperative to integrate construction engineering and traffic engineering in simulation modeling in order to plan for efficient site operations while reducing the impact of construction upon traffic. In this research, we demonstrate a “larger system simulation” approach to effectively plan pipe-jacking operations in urban areas in considerations of (1) truck delivery routes and timing; (2) sizing and location of temporary laydown area on site; (3) traffic lane closure distance; and (4) working hours scheduling, aimed at minimizing the negative impact of construction on traffic. Our research goal is to deliver a temporary traffic arrangement plan along with an efficient site operations plan, thus keeping a balance between construction productivity and traffic mobility. A case study is given based on a pipe-jacking site in the urban area of Hong Kong.