PAD based 3D earthwork BIM design module for machine guidance

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology developed in the recent decades and provided a new perspective which shifted the trend from simple 2D drawings to intelligent 3D modeling. BIM is usually applied in many construction fields, however, it is not very common in earthwork projects. Earthwork is one of the primary component in any construction project especially in highways, dams etc. In the earthwork it has become possible through BIM to monitor and analyze the changes in model accurately. This study presents a discrete module system devised to support the Pad based 3D Earthwork BIM design, topographic modeling, and earthwork volume calculation. In the case of a slope, the direction and inclination of the slope can be incorporated into the design. The point cloud data obtained from GPS survey and Laser scanning process which can be then used to create TIN (Triangulated Irregular Network) surface and ground mesh. It provides a 3D BIM design compatible with software like Autodesk Civil 3D and also with Machine guidance system. This paper discusses the importance of Pad based earthwork design with its practical site application and also presents a case study using Machine guidance. The results of experiments on construction projects show that this approach can be effectively used for earthwork operations.