BIM for the Subsurface

Unforeseen ground conditions are one of the major causes of project delay contributing to ~1/3 of construction programme over-runs. This can be attributed to constrained approaches to investigation, limited availability of high quality geotechnical data & subsequent interpretation. The project aims to address these issues by applying the BIM process directly to ground investigation & subsurface infrastructure design. The partners Keynetix, BGS and Atkins seek to significantly advance Keynetix’s established HoleBASE SI & 3D geological modelling extension within Civils3D, & deliver the first geotechnical BIM solution through the development of a cloud based repository that will allow the storing, sharing & re-use of subsurface data & interpretations throughout the supply chain. Through the integration with BGS’ national databases, the soultion “Geotechnical BIM Suite” will allow for historical data to be digitally accessed, providing improved accessibility to BGS maps & geotechnical data & implement BGS methodologies & standards for 3D geological modelling. The approach is highly innovative & will significantly reduce future ground investigation risks & costs.