GaSIm - Ground and Soil Improvement Modelling

The research project "Ground and Soil Improvement modelling" (GaSIm) deals with the development of ground models, the numerical analysis of ground improvement methods and the development of an automated concept for the optimization of geotechnical structures. The advancement of digitalization in geotechnics, which also includes Building Information Modelling, is leading to a change in the areas of responsibility in geotechnics, as a result of which digital three-dimensional ground models are gaining in importance. In contrast to conventionally produced local sections, digital three-dimensional ground models provide a spatial interpretation of the subsoil. By analyzing known methods of subsoil modeling and investigating innovative interpolation methods and statistical features, the integrity of such prediction models is to be strengthened, whereby an adaptive approach to subsoil modeling is to be pursued. Another core topic of the research project is the study of ground improvement methods. In the interests of conserving resources and reducing CO2 emissions, one focus is on the numerical investigation and optimization of geotechnical structures. In general, ground improvement is understood to mean the positive influence of the physical properties of the in-situ soil. The design of these methods is based to a large extent on experience and the knowledge of contractors and planners. The GaSIm research project therefore aims to investigate proven methods and pursue innovative approaches to numerical modeling in order to develop recommendations for the numerical dimensioning of ground improvement measures. Furthermore, a concept for the automated optimization of geotechnical structures is to be developed, whereby the quantification of ecological and economic savings plays a role. In summary, the objectives of the research project are to develop practice-relevant recommendations for the numerical analysis of subsoil improvements and a concept for the optimization of those structures, as well as to promote digitization in geotechnics by increasing the integrity of subsoil models and improving the interfaces of specialist software solutions in order to enable future-oriented integration into a holistic BIM process.