Developing an Information Modeling Framework for Tunnel Construction Projects
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University of Alberta Developing an Information Modeling Framework for Tunnel Construction Projects by Mahsa Ghaznavi A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Construction Engineering & Management Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering ©Mahsa Ghaznavi Fall 2013 Edmonton, Alberta Permission is hereby granted to the University of Alberta Libraries to reproduce single copies of this thesis and to lend or sell such copies for private, scholarly or scientific research purposes only. Where the thesis is converted to, or otherwise made available in digital form, the University of Alberta will advise potential users of the thesis of these terms. The author reserves all other publication and other rights in association with the copyright in the thesis and, except as herein before provided, neither the thesis nor any substantial portion thereof may be printed or otherwise reproduced in any material form whatsoever without the author's prior written permission. Abstract A plethora of information combined with the participation of diverse disciplines during the tunneling life cycle results in fragmented information components. To address this problem, integrated information systems provide a unique environment to store project information. In this regard, consistent data structure facilitates successful information exchanges between project segments. This thesis presents an integrated Tunnel Information Modeling (TIM) system similar to the vastly studied Building Information Modeling (BIM) concept. The proposed TIM model offers a multi-dimensional modeling procedure to develop an integrated and interoperable tunnel information model. The extension capability of the current Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard is utilized to define new classes for tunneling construction projects. The aim is not to develop an extension domain for the IFC data model, but to propose a step-by-step framework to achieve such an extension for tunneling projects. The resulting framework can be used as the primary component for developing an object- oriented application interface. Acknowledgments Without the help, guidance and encouragement of my friends, colleagues and professors the achievements of the work presented herein would not have been possible. Accordingly, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude towards them. I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to my research supervisor, Dr. Simaan AbouRizk. His valuable guidance, patience, and encouragement made this journey possible. I am grateful to have him as my supervisor during my studies at University of Alberta. Special thanks to my committee members, Dr. Mohamed Al-Hussein and Dr. Karim El-Basyouny for their comments which improved the quality of this research significantly. I would also like to thank the faculty and staff of the department, especially Brenda Penner and Amy Carter, for their time and resourcefulness throughout my time at University of Alberta. In addition, I extend many thanks to my friends and fellow students. Especially, I would like to acknowledge with much appreciation the role of Dr. Yang Zhang, a postdoctoral fellow at the CEM program, who helped me significantly during this research. This thesis could not have been completed without his valuable guidance. I would like to thank my family for their endless support and encouragement. This thesis is dedicated to my beloved parents, Mahmoud and Nasrin, and to my dear husband, Reza, for their continuous support, understanding, and patience throughout this study. Your influence on this work and my life is unsurpassed. Table of Contents Abstract Acknowledgements List of Tables List of Figures List of Abbreviations Chapter 1: Research Study Overview 1.1 Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 1.2 Problem Statement ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 1.3 Methodology ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6 1.3.1 Phase A - Designing TIM Integrated project system ----------------------------- 7 1.3.2 Phase B - Tunnel Standard Data Model (TIM-IFC Classes) ------------------- 8 1.4 Research Scope --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9 1.5 Research Objectives -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 1.6 Thesis Organization -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 2.2 Tunnel Construction ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13 2.3 Tunnel Construction Lifecycle ------------------------------------------------------------- 15 2.4 Tunnel Components and Construction Methods ---------------------------------------- 20 2.4.1 Shaft ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 2.4.2 Tunnel -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 2.4.3 Tail Tunnel and Undercut --------------------------------------------------------- 32 2.5 Tunneling Projects – Associated Risks, Problems, and Solutions -------------------- 33 2.6 An Overview of Previous Solutions for Managing Information and Processes in Tunneling Projects ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37 2.6.1 Information Systems --------------------------------------------------------------- 37 2.6.2 Decision Aid Systems ------------------------------------------------------------- 38 2.6.3 Operation Simulation -------------------------------------------------------------- 40 2.7 Integrated Project Systems and Collaborative Construction Management ---------- 48 2.7.1 4D/5D and n-D Construction Management ------------------------------------- 50 2.7.2 BIM and CVP ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 2.7.3 IFC ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 54 2.8 Current State of Employing Integrated Information Models and Virtual Construction in Tunneling Projects ------------------------------------------------------------ 59 2.9 Conclusion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62 Chapter 3: Tunnel Information Modeling (TIM) - Research Methodology and Objectives 3.1 Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64 3.2 Tunnel Information Model ----------------------------------------------------------------- 64 3.3 Proposed Methodology- Developing the TIM Model ---------------------------------- 68 3.4 The TIM System Architecture ------------------------------------------------------------- 72 3.4.1 The central Data Model ----------------------------------------------------------- 72 3.4.2 The Knowledge Management Layer--------------------------------------------- 73 3.4.3 The Interoperability Layer -------------------------------------------------------- 73 3.5 TIM System Process ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 74 3.6 Develop TIM 3D Model ------------------------------------------------------------------- 77 3.6.1 Object-Oriented CAD Models --------------------------------------------------- 77 3.6.2 Smart Objects and Parametric Modeling Concept ----------------------------- 79 3.6.3 BIM-Based Object-Oriented Application Tools ------------------------------- 79 3.6.4 Revit® Software -------------------------------------------------------------------- 80 3.7 TIM Model - Objectives and Contributions --------------------------------------------- 83 3.8 Chapter Summary and Conclusion -------------------------------------------------------- 85 Chapter 4: Implementing TIM Project Model and TIM-IFC Standard Data Model Framework 4.1 Introduction ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 87 4.2 TIM Project Model System----------------------------------------------------------------- 87 4.3 Phase A- 3D Modeling of Tunnel Objects ---------------------------------------------- 87 4.4 Phase B- IFC-based Data Model for Tunneling Projects --------------------------- 90 4.4.1 TIM- IFC Development Phases -------------------------------------------------- 90 4.4.2 Tunnel Product Model ------------------------------------------------------------ 93 4.4.3 TIM-IFC Development based on the Tunnel Conceptual Product Model ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 96 4.4.3.1 IFC Origin, Architecture and Extension Potential ------------------- 98 4.4.3.2 Original IFC Classes- IFC2x Edition 3 Technical Corrigendum- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 100 4.4.4 TIM-IFC Development ----------------------------------------------------------- 105 4.4.4.1 Tunneling Process Map (PM) ------------------------------------------- 106 4.4.4.2 Exchange Requirements (ER) and Model View Definitions ----- 108 4.4.4.3 TIM-IFC Model Schema and Documentation ----------------------- 119 4.4.4.4 Implementing the TIM-IFC Data Model ------------------------------ 127 4.5. TIM Project Model for North LRT Tunnel Project ---------------------------------- 133 4.5.1 Project Overview -------------------------------------------------------------------