The application of BIM and photogrammetric methods to the inspection and management of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel

Sydney Harbour Tunnel provides a four lane crossing beneath Sydney Harbour between the Warringah Expressway at North Sydney and the Domain Tunnel in the City. The approximate length, portal to portal is 2.3 km and comprises twin driven and cut and cover tunnels at each end, and an immersed tunnel for the 1km long section beneath the harbour. The tunnel is a critical artery in Sydney's road network. As part of the development of an Enhanced Asset Management Plan for the tunnel, Arup has used digital tools including a business information model (BIM) and a photogrammetric survey. The paper will show how the use of these tools enabled the creation of a 3D immersive environment with embedded asset or condition information that allows engineers to virtually 'walk through' and inspect the asset. The paper will also discuss the benefits to asset owners and current areas of research to develop the technique further.