This master thesis focuses on using the geological and information tunnel models for the preparation of the structural model for finite element analysis. The literature review led to the conclusion that easy use of the information and geological models is currently not possible in a program for finite element analysis. There is too much difference between different types of models, which is the consequence of the needs these models serve. Whereas visualisation is an important feature of the information model, meaning that 3D elements are used, the structural model is not concerned with it. Because efficient and fast calculations are needed, the geometry is always simplified. Therefore, structural elements are either simplified into one-dimensional and two-dimensional elements, or stay as three-dimensional in some cases. Literature review showed that the automatic transformation between models is thus unreliable. Consequently, modelling turns into manual labour, which can take a considerable amount of time. It turns out that importing geometry from the informational model into the program for analysis is successful if it is modelled as a structural model. The advantages of using BIM programs is that they have options of parametric modelling and, in the case of Dynamo, also automatization, which considerably speeds up the process of modelling. This was shown on the practical example, where we used Civil 3D, Dynamo and some input information to model tunnel excavation geometry. The resulting model can then successfully be imported into the program for analysis. Because manual work is almost non-existent, the preparation process of the structural model for finite element analysis is faster and more reliable.
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