Risk Analysis of Tunnel Construction Projects Using Tunnel Boring Machines: A Hybrid BWM–DEA–PROMETHEE Framework

Underground tunnel construction projects using tunnel boring machines (TBMs) require a holistic risk perspective. Such projects face various risks arising from social, economic, political, workforce, and regulatory aspects during project execution. It is necessary to develop preventive strategies for managing these risks and thereby ensure timely project delivery, cost efficiency, and safety. In this study, we aimed to develop a comprehensive hybrid decision-making framework for analyzing risks in TBM-based tunnel construction projects. The proposed approach integrates the best–worst method (BWM), data envelopment analysis (DEA) model-based risk assessment, and the preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE). The BWM was applied to determine the weights of decision criteria with fewer comparisons and improved consistency. Subsequently, the DEA model was then used to compute local risk scores under multiple input and output conditions. Finally, PROMETHEE was employed to analyze the risks based on positive and negative outranking flows. The proposed approach was applied to a realistic metro construction project in Bangkok. The findings indicated that the proposed approach effectively compromised all the decision-making attributes to manage the uncertainties. The proposed methodology can support project managers, stakeholders, engineers, and relevant authorities in identifying high-priority risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies to enhance risk management in tunnel construction.