ABSTRACT
Infrastructure projects, particularly tunnels, have significant environmental impacts due to extensive resource use and exposure to natural hazards. To address these challenges, a sustainable approach integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions into the development of underground infrastructure is advisable. This paper introduces a framework by the ITA-AITES Working Group 22, focused on leveraging Building Information Modelling (BIM) to achieve sustainable practices throughout the lifecycle of tunnelling projects, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The proposed BIM-based framework outlines how sustainable practices can be embedded early in project development, flowing into design, construction, and asset management. The framework considers setting requirements during strategic planning, designing and constructing with low-carbon materials, real-time monitoring of sustainability KPIs during construction, and transitioning from Project Information Models (PIM) to Asset Information Models (AIM) for sustainable operation and maintenance using digital twins.
The document aims to support all stakeholders involved in various tunnelling projects (new or renovated, traditionally or mechanically excavated). This support focuses on using a BIM methodology to address sustainable practices during the whole lifecycle of a tunnel by: a) Identifying how BIM and digital tools can support stakeholders in making sustainable decisions about the tunnelling lifecycle, b) Facilitating a complete circular journey of new digital solutions available throughout the lifecycle, and c) Providing a pragmatic framework to demonstrate the delivery of sustainability goals and define relevant BIM use cases. Implementing a sustainable approach to BIM enhances decision-making, stakeholder collaboration, and enables data-driven dynamic environmental impact assessments. It promotes material reuse, energy efficiency, and can assist with overall car-bon footprint reduction. This framework ensures that tunnelling projects can meet current needs without compromising environmental integrity for future generations. It also sup-ports global efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable resource management through advanced digital tools and international sustainability standards.
