This document discusses integrating geotechnical data into 3D models using Building Information Modeling (BIM). It notes that traditionally, geotechnical data is reported separately without consideration for reuse. BIM ensures data sharing in real-time across disciplines. The document advocates putting geotechnical data into a database to enable easy transfer and reuse for site evaluation, design, and asset maintenance. For geotechnical data to be fully integrated into BIM, the 3D subsurface elements need to be "smart" and connected to related data, and the geotechnical and civil applications need to be connected to share information. This allows all project participants to visualize geotechnical data in the context of site design for improved understanding and efficiency.

1. www.bentley.com
Using Geotechnical Data
in a 3D Space
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
and Subsurface Data
A Bentley White Paper
Nicolas Loubier
Senior Product Manager,
Civil Infrastructure,
Bentley Systems, Inc.
Katie Aguilar
Product Manager,
Civil Infrastructure,
Bentley Systems, Inc.
Published:
April 2018

2. Using Geotechnical Data in a 3D Space 2
Introduction
The traditional geotechnical workflow is report driven. The geotechnical logs and
associated report with geotechnical design recommendations must be completed.
However, that report is the beginning of a long-list of users for design and construction
on the site. There is little consideration of the use and reuse of the data in various
applications and other reports for actual consumption. The concept that the log is
an end-product must change as more advanced software enabling 3D modeling is
developed and projects become larger, longer in duration, and more time critical for
information. Geotechnical data must be entered into this 3D model and become an
integral part of the design-build-operate process.
Traditional Geotechnical State Of Practice For 3D Models
On projects that are large enough to warrant a 3D model, geologists and engineers
work long, tedious hours to integrate the data into a 3D model that assists the team
in creating visualizations for design assumptions and analysis. 2D cross-sections have
become the preferred means to aid with the visualization.
To use the data in visualization applications, including CAD applications for 3D
visualization, often means manually entering data from a series of laboratory reports
and a PDF or paper log, as well as potentially creating ad hoc capabilities or macros.
Typically, these capabilities are not connected with BIM workflows and they tend to be
project specific.
Also, these additional data entries are not usually “smart,” which means they are data
points or drawing elements, depending on the application. These data entries are very
rarely linked to the geotechnical software that enables 3D users to access original
reports or logs in 3D visualization.
BIM, “Better Information Management”
Better information management or building information modeling (BIM) ensures data
sharing among multiple disciplines and in real time. It is a framework that provides
collaboration, context, and continuity to a project. BIM methodology originally comes
from the building industry, but it is also applied to civil projects. BIM solutions help
organizations create models for their assets or a project, and the data is reused across
multiple teams, disciplines, and throughout a project’s lifecycle.
Better information
management or building
information modeling (BIM)
ensures data sharing among
multiple disciplines and in
real time.

3. Using Geotechnical Data in a 3D Space 3
Figure 1: BIM and current engineering practices in general:
In a non-BIM practice (red line), data and knowledge are lost between project
milestones, creating inefficiencies. BIM practice allows organizations to accumulate
knowledge and data overtime without the loss between milestones.
The geotechnical industry is mostly report driven; 3D models are built in isolation or in
an ad hoc fashion. As a result, many organizations that rely on subsurface information
fail to integrate this information into a BIM model because there is no easy method
of transferring the data to the model. Therefore, the geotechnical industry is ready for
better information management.
Figure 2: BIM and the geotechnical discipline:
In the context of the geotechnical discipline, one typical example of current practice
leading to data/information loss is the report generation as data is published in a
non-reusable document. Because of that, geotechnical information and knowledge are
harder to reuse in other asset operations, such as operation and maintenance causing
inefficiencies. If the data is integrated and part of the process data, information and
knowledge are accessible quickly and easily, avoiding loss of production.

4. Using Geotechnical Data in a 3D Space 4
Geotechnical Data Management
Instead of reading and manually entering data in various applications for review and
validation of site design assumptions, the data should be entered into, and managed
from, a single source of truth: a database. The information can then be used in other
applications by geotechnical engineers and other team members who will need the
data for interpretation and design.
A database format allows this repeated, multi-discipline use. The geotechnical log is
not the end-product to be passed on for future use within geotechnical engineering
and civil disciplines. The log is the starting point for geotechnical site evaluation and
general civil design.
With geotechnical data in a database, a wide world of data transfer, site evaluation,
and design is open and instantly available. Also, because subsurface data never
become obsolete, having it at hand in a database enables reuse in asset maintenance
as well as reuse in future projects in the same area. This database is the foundation to
the integration of the geotechnical discipline into BIM models and workflows.
Geotechnical Data In The Context Of BIM
On projects that are large enough to warrant a 3D model, practitioners will want to
have the subsurface model be a true component of the BIM workflow rather than an ad
hoc model that must be manually imported into BIM-enabled civil products.
To enable a BIM workflow with 3D geological modeling, two things must occur:
• The 3D subsurface elements must be smart, which means the data must be
attached to the elements and not just the drawing element. This information
associated with symbols includes, but is not limited to, lithology description, sample
length and/or blow counts, water level description, and laboratory data.
• The two disciplines must be connected, meaning that the intelligence found in
the subsurface model must be intelligible by the civil application so that a civil
practitioner can access the full power of the geotechnical database rather than
reading only a graphic. In return, the geoprofessional must be able to import and use
civil information to enhance their understanding of plans and the site. In short, these
two disciplines will be connected in a common design environment.
With geotechnical data in a
database, a wide world of
data transfer, site evaluation,
and design is open and
instantly available. Also,
because subsurface data
never become obsolete,
having it at hand in a
database enables reuse in
asset maintenance as well
as reuse in future projects in
the same area.

5. Using Geotechnical Data in a 3D Space 5
Figure 3: Data loaded in the design environment. Any subsurface data can be imported and visualized and reviewed
The Benefits Of A 3D Geotechnical BIM Enabled Model
With their geotechnical data in a BIM model, BIM project participants, including
geotechnical engineers, geologists, bridge engineers, civil engineers, and more, can
see data in the context of site design and:
• Visualize boreholes in space with other disciplines data
• Incorporate historic information to broaden site understanding
• Create lithology layers
• Create fence diagrams
• Generate cross-sections from 3D sections allowing for quick evaluation
• Analyze subsurface conditions with the “intelligent” geotechnical model
All of this is intended to help the team members across all disciplines visualize all
geotechnical and geoenvironmental data in 3D and overlay site design to provide
context view quickly and efficiently.
For geoprofessionals, more specifically, this is another capability in their tool box to
evaluate and understand subsurface conditions without shuffling through papers and
PDF documents since the data is included in the model.

6. 6Using Geotechnical Data in a 3D Space
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Figure 4: Data loaded in the design environment. Any subsurface data can be imported and visualized and reviewed
Conclusion
Begin with the end in mind.
Is the traditional log the end? No, it is the beginning of a process to evaluate site
conditions to make design assumptions, as well as long-term maintenance of
the asset. This is not solely for geoprofessionals, but it is also for all civil design
site professionals.
For this to work, the integration of 3D intelligent geotechnical models with civil 3D
models must evolve from an ad hoc procedure to one that is repeatable and reliable as
well as part of daily practices for large or smaller projects.
Geotechnical data is the foundation for all subsequent design work and must be a
part of the integrated better information management network for use throughout the
design, build, and operate process.