Implementation of BIM methodology to the Karavanke tunnel

The Karavanke tunnel is an 8 km long, single tube, bidirectional motorway tunnel connecting Austria and Slovenia. It is a trans-alpine tunnel with an overburden as high as 1.000 m in very squeezing ground conditions with recorded displacements of over 1 m. It was originally designed as a twin tube tunnel, but due to lack of traffic, it was built as a single tube. Shortly after commissioning the tunnel in the early 1990's, factors such as increased traffic, support deterioration and lack of safety measures meant that a second tube became necessary in order for the tunnel to efficiently operate in the future. Building on our past experience and processes developed, we were confident the Karavanke tunnel - with all its complexity - would be the perfect pilot project for the Austrian Highway Authority (ASFINAG) on the Austrian side of the tunnel and the Slovenian Highway Authority (DARS) on the Slovenian side. In addition to a new tunnel tube, the project itself also consists of the approach highway including several structures (bridges, retaining structures, etc.), transport roads as well as disposal areas. The goal of the BIM pilot project is twofold; the systematic implementation of BIM methodology to the project and the exploration of the benefits and challenges involved in planning, executing and controlling BIM-related activities (Creation of Employers Information Requirements and BIM execution plan, 3D, 4D and 5D modelling, model-based quality control, geological modelling and usage of models in operational phase (CAFM - Computer Aided Facility Management). This paper reveals the challenges and benefits of BIM methodology in the Karavanke tunnel project. It also emphasises the specific requirements needed for implementing BIM methodology to tunnelling projects.