Building Information Modeling is not just for vertical construction. Tunneling projects implementing BIM are realizing benefits in planning, design and construction coordination. In the New York City region, where tunneling projects have become one of the biggest economic drivers for the construction industry, experts are looking at underground jobs from around the country to determine where and how BIM was implemented effectively.

Still, using BIM on tunneling projects is still more the exception than the rule.

``传统上在2D上以很少的3D概念化进行了许多土木工程过程。``这是文化上的东西。他们没有看到3d的需要。

Tunneling construction is a relatively sequential process, usually involving single contractors working in series, says Jon Anunson, regional BIM leader, URS Corporation, Grand Rapids, Mich. �The strengths of a BIM process have the most impact when coordinating multiple trades and contractors onsite.�

�You have to make an informed decision upfront if BIM is worth the effort,� says Jay Mezher, design visualization manager for PB in Seattle, which is currently using BIM on the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement. The AWV project involved many disciplines: civil, MEP, HVAC, lighting and architecture, trying to fit all the required components in the tunnel. �We couldn�t have done it in the time we did without the model.�

Jim Palmer, senior vice president for transportation, Hill International, Marlton, N.J., believes there are major economies to be realized by digitizing the whole design and construction environment. �But the things stopping that from happening are institutional.�

划定设计师和承包商之间的责任概况是一个大问题。帕尔默解释说，AIA和承包商具有应对责任的附录，但这确实是用于垂直建筑的。''帕尔默解释说。``市场并未真正解决潜在的责任问题，尤其是在水平建筑中。''

Most horizontal construction is public works through government agencies. These agency�s delivery methods often don�t permit the integration between design and construction teams required to get a lot of benefit out of 3D construction, Palmer says. �Once you start integrating your teams and crossing your traditional liability lines, you are creating risk for yourself. Public owners are more concerned about capping risks than reducing costs.�

Where it�s Working?

在西雅图，阿拉斯加路高架桥更换（AWV）项目展示了利用BIM设计和构造大型复杂隧道的好处。高架桥是1950年代建造的两层高速公路，是西雅图的主要南北公路。2001年，该结构在地震中受损，随后修复。

Due to the structure�s age and susceptibility to earthquake damage, city, state and county officials starting exploring alternatives for replacing the AWV with a new elevated structure or tunnel in 2004. The Washington State Department of Transportation enlisted Parson Brinckerhoff , New York, to create visualizations of the alternatives.

PB开发了3D模型的选项以及该地区现有的地下和地下结构，包括建筑物，道路，公用事业和桩。

Animated visualizations developed from the models communicated the design proposals to the public showing what each option looked like, what it would be like driving along the proposed alignments and how each option might impact property owners, says Gordon Clark, PB�s chief engineer on the project.

As detailed information in the models expanded, simulations helped stakeholders evaluate options, hone the design process and make informed decisions, Clark explains.

与模型相关联的施工时间表启用了模拟施工测序如何影响流量和相邻属性的模拟。隧道组件（例如MEP系统和紧急访问）的建模，促进了设计协调，并允许团队使用空间验证和冲突检测来识别组件之间的干扰。

WSDOT计划总监Ron Paananen说。