ROAD TUNNEL REHABILITATION | DATA, DIGITAL, BIM


For the rehabilitation programme, the main


challenges are: managing high volumes of inspection and investigation data; increasing data interpretation capability; defining standardised procedures applicable across all individual tunnel improvement projects; and, ensuring interventions deliver security and safety improvements, so extending tunnel life for 50 years. Additionally, impacts on highway traffic need to be


minimised while at the same time optimising structural interventions through automation and accelerated operations. Better decision-making would come from enhanced


data accessibility, requiring successful digitalisation, recognised Tecne Systra. “The digital project is then developed in different


phases according to the construction sequence from demolition of portions of the existing lining up to the reconstruction phase,” says Emiliano dos Reis.


DIGITAL APPROACH To establish the required connected digital environment, Tecne Systra chose applications from Bentley Systems. By introducing OpenTunnel Designer, the team developed digital workflows and 3D tunnel models that covered investigative surveys, including flat jacks, borehole TV cameras, core drilling stratigraphy, laser scanning, geo-radar, and in-depth inspections. “We have chosen OpenTunnel Designer because it


is the first and only purpose-built software for tunnel modelling and design,” says Emiliano dos Reis. Tecne Systra combined geological models through


Leapfrog, geotechnical models through PLAXIS, steel structural models through ProStructures, and civil models including water and drainage – all capable of real-time updates. LumenRT was also utilised. The platform also supported the integration of


alignment data generated in external design software. Project data and work breakdown structures were exported using IFC standards to third-party cloud platforms, allowing stakeholders to access, manage, and exchange information throughout the project lifecycle. Three coordinated models were developed: one


representing existing conditions; one documenting demolition phases; and, one capturing the proposed


works. Together, these models form a structured digital record of the asset and its interventions. Emiliano dos Reis adds: “The existing demolition,


as well as proposed information models, represent a database of what existed, what supported the design decision, what was demolished, and all the interventions made – soil consolidation, waterproofing and drainage system, steel mesh reinforcement, and cast-in place concrete – that can and should be used as a basis for future interventions.”


IMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS The transition to digital workflows has delivered substantial efficiency improvements across project delivery for the motorway rehabilitation programme. “Going digital in the design phase allowed us to


increase the capability of integration and valuation for a better survey data interpretation to support design decisions,” she says. The team reports a 30% reduction in the time required


to verify and interpret survey information. Interoperable modelling tools also improved


coordination between structural, drainage, and waterproofing systems, reducing design conflicts and streamlining option analysis. Compared with traditional workflows, overall project delivery time was reduced by about a fifth and modelling time by a quarter. The digital approach enabled the simulation of


multiple intervention scenarios prior to construction, which helped both material optimisation and constructability reviews. Enhanced collaboration between design and site teams has also helped to improve resolution of issues as well as supported more efficient construction planning.


FUTURE DEVELOPMENT In adopting open IFC standards, Tecne Systra has set up a framework for long-term data reuse and model compatibility across asset management systems. Additionally, the design and construction information


models that were developed in the programme are a foundation to implement Digital Twins that can help support future activities in inspection, maintenance, and facility management.


April 2026 | 35


Above:


Efficiency and time saving gains cited from new digital workflow benefits


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