M. Huymajer, G. Paskaleva, R. Wenighofer, C. Huemer, A. Mazak-Huemer: IFC Concepts in the Execution Phase of Conventional Tunneling Projects, in Journal Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Elsevier, Volume 143, November 2023, Doi: 10.1016/j.tust.2023.105368.


The documentation process of conventional tunneling projects is time-consuming and costly. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has enabled substantial productivity gains in the Architecture, Engineering, & Construction (AEC) sector. However, BIM has only been marginally adopted in the execution phase of conventional tunneling projects. For this purpose, we propose a BIM model that facilitates fully digital and automated data exchange between project stakeholders. We use the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) as a basis and identify concepts potentially useful to represent data from the execution phase of construction projects. We demonstrate how IFC concepts are utilized to represent a shift report of a conventional tunneling project. Thereby, we deliver a reference model as an implementation guide for software developers in this domain. This may serve as a blueprint for handling construction management data in a machine-readable format, laying the foundations for Big Open BIM in the execution phase of construction projects.

IFC Concepts in the Execution Phase of Conventional Tunneling Projects