ABSTRACT

Modern planning and design for complex infrastructures provides the conception of a robust geological conceptual model that accounts for all the involved parameters, their intrinsic variability and associated risks. Geodata Engineering has undertaken an innovative approach by systematically implementing 3D geological models to suit this demand. An implicit modelling engine developed for the Civil Engineering industry is used to find a unique solution that honors both the provided dataset and the geoscientist interpretation while mimicking natural geological geometries. This paper analyses methods and workflows used to integrate 3D implicit modelling and 2.5D explicit modelling. The key advantages of this approach are examined through relevant examples. Better visualization of available data brings improved understanding, robust analysis and dynamic interpretation. The modelling tool of choice not only expedites the first iteration of a 3D geological model, but it allows a faster updating process and the construction of multiple versions to test several interpretations. This process leads to improved precision and a reduced geological risk, becoming a milestone of the Geodata Risk Analysis Based Design (GRBD) approach. In addition, it is explained how 3D geological modelling provides an innovative communication tool for internal and external collaboration among professionals with a focus on the integration of 3D geological models with engineering designs from BIM.