The Introduction of MSE Wall Elements into the BIM Technology: The S7 Skomielna Biala – Chabowka Project of an MSE Abutment in Poland

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is a well-known methodology within the construction industry. However, it appears as a relatively new concept for geotechnical engineering structures where it has not yet reached a good level of soundness. BIM processes for structural engineering are based on three-dimensional parametric models which centralize geometrical, physical, and project information. Adopting this design methodology, the various users can interact and work together efficiently in every stage of the construction process. The use of BIM as a design tool can help in immediate visualization of the structure, and in noting its obstructions and constraints, if any. Furthermore, BIM could help secure the quality of the construction process, assist in the coordination between the designer and construction crew, and improve the safety on site. For all the aforementioned reasons, BIM methodology could provide excellent results when applied to geotechnical structures, particularly when applied to geometrically complex projects. This paper’s goal is to introduce how a Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) system can be modeled in BIM and how the created elements can then be used in the design of the structure. The S7 Skomielna Biala – Chabowka MSE approaching ramp and abutment were designed both with BIM and the traditional tools to compare them in terms of speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness.