# Geotechnical Property Modeling and Construction Safety Zoning Based on GIS and BIM Integration
## 1 Introduction
### Background
Furthermore, it is indispensable to apply the spatial interpolation technique such as the geostatistical method for the statistical manipulation of the given geotechnical data. Recently, the spatial interpolation technique has been widely adopted for creating 3D geotechnical models of soil properties [15; 16; 17; 18]. The probabilistic and deterministic are two approaches adopted for the geospatial interpolation that uses the point data and interpolates them to provide information around the whole area. However, the deterministic approach doesn't take into account the effect of spatial variation with distance. Many studies have utilized geographic information system (GIS) to model, map, integrate, and interpret the geotechnical properties of the site portraying their spatial distribution [10; 14]. GIS has been used to produce zonation maps that can be employed to assess hazards and also to determine the suitability of the construction type [14]. Also, GIS capability has been applied frequently in the construction industry for data management and manipulation [19]. It is a powerful tool in assessing a huge number of data in a reasonable time. The key feature of the GIS is the ability to integrate the new information with the existing geographic information using a compatible referencing system. The integration of GIS and geotechnical parameters is essential considering spatial correlation to build and provide digital maps and safety zonation. The multi-scale clustering of the geotechnical properties and zonation maps is very effective in urban areas having low and dense variation in the soil information [20]. The output model obtained from GIS is a georeferenced digitized map, free of inconsistencies, providing continuous information for the whole region, and also attribute information. The recent studies on the use of GIS for spatial data manipulation, compilation, and processing above and below the ground in civil engineering projects have demonstrated its capabilities to ease data interpretation and producing better results [21; 22; 23; 24]. The 3D spatial modeling of geotechnical parameters has been conducted to assess and identify the problem encountered during the construction of the Lavrion Technological and Cultural Park [25]. The results of the 3D geotechnical models were useful during the construction to identify the risk-prone areas. The modeling of cone penetration resistance has been considered to provide high reliability, which facilitates geotechnical engineers in better understanding the site characterization [26]. Data interpretation of the soil profiles and stratigraphy in GIS is conducted in a two or three-dimensional representation. Despite the capability of GIS in creating better geotechnical model results, its information about the asset is less detailed [4]. Advance data visualization tools such as building information modeling (BIM) can be used in integration with GIS to facilitate the management, 3D modeling, and visualization of the geotechnical models [4]. BIM model contains very detailed geometric and semantic information about new or existing assets [27]. BIM provides parametric design tools for the digital representation of an object that contains graphical and non-graphical information [28,29]. BIM emerges as a platform for model visualization, managing, data exchanging, and sharing building and infrastructure models over the lifecycle. The main focus of the BIM domain is the design and construction information about all the physical elements and contains very detailed and semantic rich information. An algorithm has been developed using visual programming that created automatically the geometric condition in the BIM environment to visualize the potential risks according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines [3]. OSHA provides standards, assistance, and training about a safe working environment for the workers.