Development of 3D geological model of Singapore

Abstract

In land scarce Singapore, the need for underground space development and usage has increased significantly in recent years due to more infrastructures built underground to accommodate the growing urbanisation. This leads to more competing usage and conflicts in the underground spaces. Failures that occurred in the past underground construction are associated with the lack of understanding of the underlying ground conditions and associated risks. Therefore, it is important to understand the subsurface conditions before carrying out underground space development works. In view of this, geological survey and investigation works were carried out in several parts of Singapore to study and investigate its geology, and also to identify suitable sites for underground space development. The geological survey works carried out include drilling of 170 deep boreholes and 155 km of seismic survey. These data were used to develop the Singapore-wide 3D geological model, which is able to provide a 3D visualisation of the geology of Singapore. The geological model is developed using the 3D earth modelling software GOCAD Mining Suite. In order to explore feasible area for developments of rock cavern, a 3D geotechnical hazard map has also been prepared based on lithology, rock mass quality, and distances from faults and folds. The current work proved that 3D geological model, in spite of its limitations, is very useful for interpreting and establishing the general lithostratigraphy and structure of Singapore’s geology.