Development of a computer-aided ground modelling methodology for civil and building engineering projects

Ground modelling is an area that has little research and development for the benefit of the construction team. From an engineering point of view the importance of being able to accurately quantify, plan and program work beneath the ground is significant. There are many commercially available ground modelling packages for various members of the construction team. Such software is generally aimed at the highway designer, surveyor or mining consultant. There is not however one system that is aimed at the civil engineer and others within the construction team. This paper discusses the first stage of a research work that aims at developing the concept a ground modelling methodology and a computer model for a variety of civil engineering and building projects that can be used by engineers and others who will have influence throughout the project's life-cycle. The paper will touch on the issues of integrating software and transferring data between compatible software packages.