Building information modelling based ground modelling for tunnel projects – Tunnel Angath/Austria

The trend for digitalization in geotechnics and tunnelling of the past decade has been spearheaded by developments in building information modelling (BIM) within these disciplines. While many advances have been achieved, BIM ground modelling remains a challenge since the inherent heterogeneity and uncertainty of the underground are difficult to describe and to model. This paper presents a new concept and framework for ground modelling in BIM. A split of the BIM ground model into several “sub models” is proposed: the “factual data model”, a “geotechnical model” and the “geotechnical synthesis model”. The proposed BIM ground modelling concepts are based on – and in line with current international developments (e.g., DAUB / German ITA branch, or IFC Tunnel) and should serve as an example of how to approach BIM ground modelling for future projects. After presenting this theoretical context, the case study of the Austrian Tunnel Angath is given where state of the art BIM ground modelling was done in the planning phase of the project. Although the modelling for this project is seen as a success, it has highlighted several deficits that hamper the industry wide adoption of BIM in ground modelling: e.g., permanent data storage, editable model transfer and easy visualization of BIM ground models. It is nevertheless concluded that BIM ground modelling is beneficial for the tunnelling industry as it contributes towards more standardized and comprehensible working processes and an enhanced base for decisions.