Database and Data Mining

   doi:10.3850/978-981-07-0188-8_P182

ABSTRACT

The use of augmented reality and on-site simulation for tunnel construction is discussed. Augmented reality enables the tunnel engineer to immediately see the monitoring results and the results of a simulation, while inside the tunnel. With this information engineers can respond quickly to any unexpected events. Furthermore on-site 3-D simulation improves the understanding of the cause of such unforeseen events, can be used to update the geological knowledge and to check the effect of remedial measures. One of the most challenging parts of this is to make the 3-D simulation of tunnel construction automatic and extremely fast. This can only be achieved with changing the paradigm from volume to surface based methods i.e. by using the boundary element method. To achieve a completely automatic simulation, so the technology is invisible to the engineer, we use an iso-geometric method that completely eliminates the need for mesh generation. With the implementation of data compression and super-fast solution algorithms computing times of minutes for a 3-D analysis will be feasible. The paper describes the results of research that has already been performed but mainly shows the concepts of a research effort that has started recently and that has the potential of radically changing the industry.

© 2012 by Geotechnical Society of Singapore (GeoSS)