Digital Design in Mechanized Tunneling

Abstract

Digital design methods are constantly improving the planning procedure in tunnel construction. This development includes the implementation of rule-based systems, concepts for cross-document and -model data integration, and new evaluation concepts that exploit the possibilities of digital design. For planning in tunnel construction and alignment selection, integrated planning environments are created, which help in decision-making through interactive use. By integrating room-ware products, such as touch tables and virtual reality devices, collaborative approaches are also considered, in which decision-makers can be directly involved in the planning process. In current tunneling practice and during planning stage, Finite Element (FE) simulations form an integral element in the planning and the design phase of mechanized tunneling projects. The generation of adequate computational models is often time consuming and requires data from many different sources. Incorporating Building Information Modeling (BIM) concepts offers opportunities to simplify this process by using geometrical BIM sub-models as a basis for structural analyses. In the following chapter, some modern possibilities of digital planning and evaluation of alignments in tunnel construction are explained in more detail. Furthermore, the conception and implementation of an interactive BIM and GIS integrated planning system, “BIM-to-FEM” technology which automatically extracts relevant information needed for FE simulations from BIM submodels, the establishment of surrogate models for real-time predictions, as well as the evaluation and comparison of planning variants are presented.