Automation and digitalisation of the geological documentation in tunnelling

In tunnelling, the geological documentation comprises the daily recording and processing of various data for continuously assessing the geological–geotechnical conditions on-site. One of the core tasks is the documentation of the tunnel face area. With Geodata's Tunnel Mapper, a new measuring system is presented enabling a highly automated data acquisition and the processing of a geo-referenced three-dimensional (3D) tunnel face model. Versions of the measuring system for both conventional and mechanised tunnelling have been developed. From the 3D model, high-quality digital products as well as geometric and geological parameters can be derived, which serve as a basis for decisions on-site. The data can then be integrated into the geological information system TUGIS.NET of Geoconsult, merged there with other data and further (geologically) evaluated, analysed and visualised. A spatial model that has been interpreted and quantified by the geologist can be established and used for target/actual comparisons and forecasts. The model can be transferred into building information modeling (BIM)-compatible data structures for integration into an overall BIM model of the project. The further automation and digitalisation of the geological documentation and the full documentation (geometry and geology) of the face area are achieved in the interaction of the systems mentioned. © 2022 Ernst & Sohn GmbH.