Observational Method as Risk Management Tool: the Hvalfjörður Tunnel Project, Iceland

Tidlund, M., Spross, J. and Larsson, S. Observational Method as Risk Management Tool: the Hvalfjörður Tunnel Project, Iceland. Georisk: Assessment and Management of Risk for Engineered Systems and Geohazards. Latest Articles. doi.org/10.1080/17499518.2022.2046784.

In this paper, we present a case study of the design and construction of the tunnel under the Hvalfjörður fjord in Iceland, where the observational method played a key role in the risk management that was performed to deal with the challenging geological conditions at the site. The project was a success and completed four months earlier than originally planned. In light of the case study, we discuss the definition of the observational method in Eurocode 7 and the related contractual aspects to consider in such projects.