What GIS-based methods can you use to assess the safety of underground structures?

2 Why use GIS for underground structures?

GIS can offer numerous advantages for geologists who work on underground structures, such as increasing the accuracy and reliability of data collection and interpretation by utilizing various sources and methods. It can also reduce the time and cost of data acquisition and processing by using automated and standardized procedures. Moreover, GIS can improve the decision-making and planning processes by providing comprehensive and up-to-date information and analysis. Additionally, it can support the risk assessment and management by identifying and quantifying the potential hazards and impacts of underground structures. Furthermore, GIS can facilitate the communication and collaboration among different stakeholders by using common platforms and formats.

3 How to use GIS for underground structures?

Geologists can use various GIS-based methods to assess the safety of underground structures, depending on the type, scale, and purpose of the project. Geomorphological mapping involves mapping surface features and landforms that can indicate underlying geological structures and processes. It can help identify faults, fractures, folds, bedding planes, joints, and other discontinuities which could affect the stability and integrity of underground structures. Geophysical surveying measures physical properties of the subsurface like gravity, magnetic, electric, seismic, thermal, and radioactive. It can detect and characterize subsurface structures and anomalies that can influence mechanical, thermal, hydrological, and chemical conditions of underground structures. Hydrogeological modeling simulates groundwater flow and quality in the subsurface using mathematical equations and numerical techniques. It can estimate hydraulic parameters such as porosity, permeability, pressure, and velocity which can affect hydrological performance and safety of underground structures. Lastly geotechnical analysis tests strength, stiffness, and failure modes of subsurface materials and formations using laboratory and field experiments. This helps determine design parameters like shape, size, depth, orientation, and support of underground structures as well as evaluate potential failures or damages such as collapse or buckling. GIS integrates these methods to create comprehensive assessments of the safety of underground structures while providing interactive visualizations to enhance understanding of the complex aspects of underground structures.