Building Information Modelling for Application in Geotechnical Engineering

Abstract

BIM (Building Information Modelling) is used to create and manage data during design, construction, and operation. It helps to effectively manage resources and optimize processes in the construction industry. Geotechnical engineering is one of the complex disciplines that may require BIM integration. Various data types must be provided in a timely manner and require real-time feedback, fast processing, and construction guidance. The first problem presented in the paper is the use of the traditional 2D-based method used by engineers for a particular task. It seems to be impractical when some adjustments are included. Another issue is the lack of communication between the workers. It poses the problem of information exchange and misunderstanding during the interpretation of technical data. This paper aims to find different integration techniques and steps for integrating geotechnical data into the BIM process. Methods used to examine the topic are qualitative research, literature review, and case studies. These methods were useful for studying the problems and introducing the soil information into the BIM application. Firstly, a case study with I-BIM was considered, and the BIM–FEM–BIM interaction was applied to introduce geotechnical information with Plaxis 3D. The results have shown that further development of BIM in infrastructure is needed. Another case study explored the present state of the geotechnical design in BIM and potential solutions. The new frameworks were recreated: many boreholes were imported to the BIM, and a 3D geometric model of the entire hill was created for the hill fortification structure with soil clogging. The last two studies in Malaysia modeled a 3D subsurface and used two geotechnical formats, AGS and CVS. The first includes more information than the second; however, the second can be used for a more generalized model. Overall, BIM–FEM interaction can be used as a geometric model for data transfer. However, the open data format of the Industry Foundation Class (IFC) or geotechnical data format of the AGS and CVS were suggested to be used for greater flexibility. It was also found that excessive information makes the model loaded and complex. Therefore, it was recommended that big data be summarized properly with minimal loss of necessary data. Further research is needed to understand data transmission schemes of geotechnical information better. Moreover, it is recommended to put all the strategies directly into practice to create a geotechnical design.