Cost-benefit analysis of hydrogeologic disturbances in underground projects

Research Project, 2023 – 2025

The overall aim of this project is to develop a method for cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of measures to reduce hydrogeological risks during the construction phase in infrastructure projects, including both internal and external consequences for the project and in society. Unacceptable leakage of groundwater to underground constructions and subsequent dewatering of groundwater resources constitutes the main cause for construction disturbances. This can lead to severe consequences, both internally for the project (e.g. delays and increased costs for measures such as grouting) and externally for society (e.g. traffic delays and inconveniences for residents). We will apply coherent methods for risk analysis based on a probabilistic analysis of hydrogeological disturbances and their economic consequences. Benefits from risk reduction measures will be evaluated against implementation costs by means of CBA. It is also investigated what values that might not be included in a CBA due to its specific consequentialist ethical points of departure and should therefore be taken into account when the CBA results are interpreted. This provides a more structured and transparent decision support leading to a more sustainable and cost-efficient management of hydrogeological risks than is currently the standard. The project is expected to provide novel knowledge on how to perform cost-benefit analysis of measures to reduce risks for hydrogeological disturbances in infrastructure projects.