What the study found
The study presents a new Building Information Modelling (BIM) data model for tension-supporting elements such as anchors, soil nails, and rock bolts. It extends beyond construction-stage documentation to cover the full project lifecycle, including design, installation, inspection, and maintenance.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say BIM is increasingly used in geotechnical engineering but is limited by the lack of standardised modelling methods and functional data structures. The study suggests the proposed model could address these gaps by organising geometry and metadata across project phases and maintenance needs.
What the researchers tested
The researchers developed a conceptual BIM data structure with Level of Development (LOD) requirements for both geometry and metadata. They based it on three real-world Norwegian infrastructure cases involving tunnels, slopes, and foundations, and checked compatibility with parametric design, common LOD frameworks, and IFC (Industry Foundation Class) data exchange format.
What worked and what didn't
The proposed structure is described as expandable, so maintenance-related information from different periods can be added and traced back. The authors report that it is compatible with parametric design, widely used LOD frameworks, and IFC, but they also note that realisation and testing in real projects are still needed.
What to keep in mind
This work is presented as a conceptual framework, not a fully validated field implementation. The abstract states that full validation will be carried out in future infrastructure projects.
Key points
- The paper proposes a generalisable BIM data model for tension-supporting elements.
- The model covers design, installation, inspection, and maintenance, not only construction-stage documentation.
- Three Norwegian infrastructure cases were used as the basis for the proposed structure.
- The structure is described as compatible with parametric design, common LOD frameworks, and IFC.
- The authors say further real-project testing and validation are still needed.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- BIM data model covers the full lifecycle of tension-support systems
- Authors:
- Jessica Ka Yi Chiu, Georg H. Erharter, Olav Roset, Matthias Rebhan, Charlie Chunlin Li
- Institutions:
- Graz University of Technology, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Publication date:
- 2026-01-28
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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