Case Studies and Challenges of Implementing Geotechnical Building Information Modelling in Malaysia

Min Lee Lee,Chai Hoon Koo,Yee Linn Lee,See Hung Lau,Sxue Liang Goh,Siaw Yah Chong

doi:10.3390/infrastructures6100145

Min Lee Lee, Chai Hoon Koo + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures6100145

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Abstract

Unforeseen ground conditions are some of the main contributors to construction cost over-runs and late completion. Recent research trends have witnessed the scopes of building information modeling (BIM) technology being extended to subsoil and substructure constructions, or simply known as geotechnical BIM. This paper aimed to explore the procedures of developing 3D subsoil models through two case studies in Malaysia. The geotechnical BIM processes were performed by commercial software, AutoCAD Civil 3D 2017, with the extension of the Geotechnical Module. The modeling procedures can be divided into three main stages, namely data collection, data interpretation, and data visualization. The subsoil models were successfully developed at different levels of detailing to serve for different applications. The results showed that the 3D subsoil modeling required huge modeling and computational efforts, particularly when dealing with tropical residual soil profiles in Malaysia that are highly intricate. Thus, an adequate soil strata generalization was required to simplify the generated subsoil model. Data collection and management was identified as one of the main challenges of promoting geotechnical BIM in Malaysia at a macro-scale. Despite the challenges, successful implementation of the geotechnical building information in the present case studies were proved to be capable of promoting interoperability of soil data, which is an essential element in sustainable construction.

Highlights

Cost over-runs and late completion are the two most common problems encountered in construction project management
This paper explored the procedures of developing three-dimensional subsurface models through two case studies in Malaysia and identified the associated challenges when performing the modelling
The soil profiles are highly intricate as the result of intense weathering effects

Summary

Introduction

Cost over-runs and late completion are the two most common problems encountered in construction project management. Mohammed et al [1] reported that unforeseen subsoil conditions are some of the main factors contributing to the construction over-runs. This is supported by the fact that interpreting properties of natural subsurface materials is always a more complicated task than analyzing man-made superstructures. Variability and heterogeneity of soil properties constitute one of the main uncertainties to construction planning and risk management. The characteristics and properties of these residual soils are known to be highly variable. This is because residual soils are products of chemical weathering in which their properties depend upon several factors such as climatic factors, parent materials, topography, drainage condition, and age [4].

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