Framework of smart multi-purpose utility tunnel information modeling for lifecycle management

Multi-purpose utility tunnels (MUTs), as an alternative to buried and above-ground utilities, can accommodate multiple utilities, such as gas, water, and sewer pipes, and electrical and telecommunication cables. Despite MUTs’ advantages, their high initial construction cost and the need for coordination among utility companies hindered their wide usage. Building information modeling (BIM) can solve some of these problems by facilitating the design, construction, operation, and coordination of utility companies. However, BIM is mainly developed for buildings and extended to some civil structures. There is a lack of a comprehensive framework covering MUT components and information requirements for other use cases, and its integration with Geographic Information Systems and other technologies. This paper proposes an integrated framework for smart MUT information modeling (SMUTIM) by (1) gathering the information requirements for all the phases of lifecycle management, (2) analyzing the use cases of SMUTIM, and (3) extending the Industry Foundation Classes to SMUTIM. A case study demonstrates the benefits of the proposed framework.