Implementation of optimized processes for applying BIM methodology to linear transportation infrastructure

Over the past years, the construction and civil engineering industries have adopted Building Information Modeling methodology, largely because of its numerous advantages in aiding design, construction site management, asset maintenance and management procedures. This methodology involves generating three-dimensional digital models capable of integrating information about the assets they represent. This information can pertain to any phase of the structure’s lifecycle, thereby enabling data management throughout the entire lifecycle within a single structured, digital environment. Originating from the building sector of civil engineering, it has more recently been integrated into procedures related to civil infrastructure engineering, albeit with some setbacks and challenges. Additionally, during the past decade, several national and international regulations have been introduced to control the integration of BIM into common working practices. However, BIM is often used only as a tool to assist with design, frequently even playing just a supporting role to standard practices, without any kind of implementation in later stages of the lifecycle. Therefore, to fully utilize BIM’s potential, it is essential to define procedures that enable its optimization not only in the design-related phase of the lifecycle but in other phases as well. In particular, one of the the main objectives of the research is to examine the ways in which BIM can be implemented to manage and integrate data obtained from remote and on-site survey techniques, with a particular focus on NDT methods. Practical methods for defining a BIM model and implementing data into it by exploiting survey information are therefore envisioned, as well as processes for integrating data regarding possible deteriorations present along the examined infrastructure. Subsequently, it is aimed to identify ways to standardize these procedures, in order to generate processes for integrating and representing data within BIM models, with a particular focus on road pavements. This is to be achieved through the definition of an ontology related to elements of the pavement’s deep layer configuration and associated distresses, as well as a method for integrating and representing this data in a standardized and structured manner. Lastly, the goal is to also expand the application of BIM beyond the analysis of an infrastructure’s structural conditions, to include aspects related to its operational safety in terms of users’ driving behavior. Therefore, in order to replicate processes that have already been validated and used for these purposes, which are, however, characterized by certain limitations that BIM aims to solve, the aim is to define of processes appropriate for implementing BIM in the context of virtual reality driving simulation. These identified research topics are part of a larger infrastructure management process that implements BIM to create a unified environment for conducting any kind of analysis of a particular infrastructure asset. Therefore, advanced methodologies for integrating NDT survey data into BIM frameworks for infrastructure management are developed. First, the use of Laser Scanner and Ground Penetrating Radar for geometric and subsurface analysis, as well as satellite surveying for structural stability assessment are analyzed. The integration process then involves the development of parametric BIM objects that can adapt their configuration to multi-source and multi-scale data to create comprehensive infrastructure BIM models, enabling the concurrent examination of multiple NDT datasets in a unified digital environment. These processes are tested on a real case study, where multiple sets of NDT surveys were carried out. Additionally, the need for standardized processes for data integration and representation is addressed through an ontology developed in collaboration with the University of Twente. This ontology structures pavement lifecycle data into a grid of cells and voxels, enabling efficient data structuring and integration processes. Validation of the ontology confirms its effectiveness in describing pavement conditions and integrating deterioration data. Lastly, the extension of BIM applications to road safety analyses through virtual reality driving simulations is achieved. In fact, BIM methodology is implemented to develop driving simulation scenarios that integrate BIM models as the infrastructure representation. These are then integrated into systems capable of developing the simulation and gathering data once the simulation is running. The process overcomes the limitations of traditional systems by directly incorporating survey and design data for scenario reconstruction, improving interoperability, and integrating BIM in safety assessments of roads. The methodology is validated through urban and suburban case studies, confirming its utility for comprehensive road infrastructure safety analysis. Overall, the implementation of optimized processes designed to leverage BIM for the management, monitoring, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure would ensure greater safety of these assets, improved management of the resources used for the various activities related to their lifecycle, and greater efficiency regarding the analysis of issues related to the structural and operational conditions of these critical components. This research is conducted during a historical period that is undoubtedly experiencing significant changes in the industry’s practices in the field of civil engineering. This can offer the ideal setting for the suggested processes to be turned into practical applications, advancing the industry sector through BIM and the creation of the so-called Digital Twin of the national transportation infrastructure network.