Creation of 3-D geological model on a geographical information system (GIS) platform

Abstract

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is a powerful tool to lets us visualize, analyze, and interpret spatial data to understand its relationships, patterns, and geological features. My research aims to explore the use of GIS to build up a representative geological model from site investigation and field data and provides an easy channel for regular updating of the geological model based on actual field observations and mapping during construction. The purpose of this dissertation is to discuss the GIS application in building up of a Three-Dimensional (3D) Geological Model based on a critical analysis of geological formation collected in a tunnel and a foundation project. This includes the creation of different geological models and compares the ground models created during the Ground Investigation and Construction stage. Through the versatility of sophisticated GIS software, it is easy to visualize the 3D relationship of various geological strata. In turn, geologists can make educated guesses and interpretation of some complicated geological feature. The engineering and construction team can then visualize the potential problematic geological areas to incorporate measures to tackle them during construction and in the long term. It is concluded that ground model is highly dependent on the quality of the available data and any conclusions drawn from it must be based on prior interpretative analyses conducted on the data available from the desk study and Ground Investigation (GI) stage.