Application of Building Information Modelling to Tension-Based Ground Reinforcement Systems

Abstract Building Information Modelling (BIM) is increasingly adopted in geotechnical engineering but remains hindered by the lack of standardised modelling methods and functional data structures. This paper presents a novel, generalisable BIM data model for tension-supporting elements (e.g., anchors, soil nails, rock bolts), which are used in almost every geotechnical project. Unlike previous efforts that focused primarily on construction-stage documentation, this study advances the state-of-the-art by integrating the full project lifecycle, including design, installation, inspection, and maintenance. The proposed data structure defines Level of Development (LOD) requirements for both geometry and metadata, aligned with project phases and maintenance needs. Three real-world cases from Norwegian infrastructure projects, covering tunnels, slopes, and foundations, form the basis for the proposed model, ensuring practical relevance and adaptability. The data structure is expandable so that maintenance-related information at different periods can be appended and back-traced. Even though realisation and testing in real projects are necessary, the proposed data structure is shown to be compatible with parametric design, the most widely used LOD frameworks, and common data exchange formats, e.g. “Industry Foundation Class” (IFC) for BIM. The current work is presented as a conceptual framework with full validation to be carried out in future infrastructure projects.