Integration of geotechnical design and analysis processes using a parametric and 3D-model based approach

The aim of this work is to improve the integration between the geotechnical and infrastructural designing, modeling and analyzing processes. Up to now these three planning stages are executed isolated and without the required data exchange between each other. This separation leads to time-consuming and expensive manual re-input of geometric and semantic data. Currently, roads are designed using the traditional approach which is based on various 2D drawings. The current design process focuses on the roadway itself, additional geotechnical conditions such as the slope angle of the dam or the position of a retaining wall are not considered. To solve these problems, a new parametric and 3D-model based approach has been developed in the research project ForBAU - The virtual construction site. This new approach is based on the traditional 2D infrastructure planning process, but includes a new parameterized 3D modeling concept. Different open data formats such as LandXML and GroundXML allow data integration with both, a parametric Computer Aided Design (CAD) system and a geotechnical engineering software. An automatic update function ensures data flow without loss of information. Usage of this new approach will accelerate the infrastructure design and provide a parametric 3D-model approach to close the gap between the geotechnical and the infrastructure planning process. This paper provides detailed information about this new integration concept and gives an overview on the various implementation steps.