Development of a web-based information system for shield tunnel construction projects

The development of a web-based information system for managing, visualizing, and analyzing shield tunnel construction data is presented. A data model is first proposed to define the geometries and attributes of shield tunnel structures. The data model is intended to enable effective construction data collection and database design. Then, a web-based system architecture is presented. The system is developed based on a Web Geographic Information System (Web-GIS) software, ArcGIS Server. The functionalities implemented in the system include data management, 2D and 3D visualizations, geospatial analysis functions, and tunnel analysis functions. The geospatial analysis functions provide spatial analyses of soils, tunnels, and the relationships between them. Tunnel analysis functions include face stability analysis, face pressure analysis, and tunnel load analysis. The Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel project is selected as a case study. Construction data on the two shafts, 7473 segmental rings, eight cross passages, and various inner structures of the project are stored in the system. Examples of applying the software to the project are presented, including simultaneous visualization of construction data on a geographic map and a longitudinal view, analysis of the soil and water pressures applied to the TBM face, analysis of TBM face stability, soil excavation analysis along the longitudinal tunnel profile, and 3D visualization of construction data. As a result, the efficiency of construction data management is improved through the use of the system. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.