Use of GIS and BIM for the integration of tunnel design and construction process in conventional tunneling

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a framework for the parametric design of tunnels using geographic information system (GIS) mapping and building information modelling (BIM). According to the framework, a parametric representation of each system component (e.g., layers of rock mass, size of excavation, topography, fault geometry, primary lining, secondary lining, rock bolts, etc.) can be incorporated in the GIS model with high levels of detail and used for the automatic generation of numerical models for the design of tunnel construction. This parametric evaluation allows the designer to consider several levels of detail for each component, for the efficient design and process optimization in conventional tunneling. Information between parametric analysis and numerical simulations can be freely exchanged with significantly reduced computational effort while results can be exported into BIM. It is anticipated that the proposed framework could lead to a comprehensive, yet efficient analysis of complex conventional tunneling project using parametric evaluations at the early design stages.

Keywords

Geographic information system / Building information modeling / Conventional tunneling / Numerical simulations / Parametric analysis

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Acknowledgement

We extend our sincere appreciation to Engineer Mohammad Zarbaiani for his invaluable contribution in providing essential geotechnical data crucial to the completion of this research. Additionally, our thanks go to Ettehadrah Consulting Engineer and General Mechanic Company for generously sharing project data, which greatly enriched our study. It is important to note that this project was conducted independently and was not funded by any institute. We are grateful for the collaborative spirit and support that made this research possible.

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