Bim collaborative modeling and analysis for dredging engineering during survey and design stages

The working environment of dredging engineering is volatile, and distribution of dredged soil is complex. Moreover, dredging engineering management involves a variety of professional disciplines, such as mechanical engineering, geotechnical engineering, etc. While it is hard to provide the information of soil properties and involve project schedule using the traditional two-dimensional (2D) design mode. Moreover, it is also difficult to exchange information and get feedback using the pipeline operation. Combined with BIM (Building Information Modeling) concept, BIM collaborative modeling and analysis system for dredging engineering during the survey and design stages is developed. The system includes four modules: three-dimensional (3D) modeling, production capacity prediction, dredging engineering design and analysis, and database management. In the 3D modeling module, 3D soil model can be built rapidly, and parametric modeling of family components, such as dredging channel model, dredging cofferdam is realized. In the production capacity prediction module, the production capacity of cutter suction dredger can be predicted with a high accuracy. 3D modeling module and production capacity prediction module provide 3D digital engineering model and production capacity of dredger to support the dredging engineering design and analysis module, in which dredging quantity calculation, project schedule adjustment analysis (i.e., Four-dimensional BIM, referred to as 4D BIM), sectioning analysis, 2D sketch output, automatic generation of engineering scheme design report can be carried out. The application of the software system in a dredging project proves that it can help the dredging engineers to improve their work efficiency.