Abstract
The planning of alignments in tunneling projects is a very complex and crucial process. It involves the consideration of numerous conditions and studies of different variants. Essential information depends upon the existing environment, i.e. on existing building structures and ground conditions. The collected information and results quantify metrics and parameters, which are used to define necessary constraints for alignment definition.
Because of the large and varied scope of these constraints, the application of optimization methods is unpractical. Usually, multiple alignment variants are created and compared manually by using specific and standalone software solutions for modeling alignments and involving experts for each criterion to find a near optimal solution. On the one hand, the modeling of typical alignment curves requires the consideration of many discontinuities along the alignment, which limits local modification. On the other hand, it is not possible so far to modify and evaluate variants directly, for example in team discussions. Such evaluations are often associated with a significant involvement of additional resources.
An approach is presented to create an integrated platform to support the planning process. This includes the strategic use of techniques and systems that allow an interactive exploration of tunnel alignments. Geometric modeling methods are utilized to provide local modeling and successive creation and manipulation of alignments without being limited to transitions of conventional alignment modeling methods. Technical equipment, such as touch tables, are part of the concept to add a collaborative value that allows simultaneous actions of multiple persons, especially when discussing and comparing variants in project teams.
