A Multi-Model BIM-Based Framework for Integrated Digital Transformation of Design to Construction of Large Complex Underground Caverns

The construction of large underground caverns fundamentally differs from building and above ground civil infrastructure projects due to their complex geometries and variable geological conditions. These projects are complex and challenging because a large amount of data is generated from dispersed, independent, and heterogeneous sources. The underground construction industry often uses traditional project management techniques to manage complex interactions between these data sources that are hardly linked, and independent decisions are often made without considering all the relevant aspects. In this context, cavern construction exhibits uncertainties and risks due to unforeseen circumstances, an intricate design, and ineffective information management. Existing research has considered general BIM semantic models at the design stage; however, the digital transformation of cavern construction remains underdeveloped and fails to integrate digital construction throughout the project lifecycle. To address that gap, a novel BIM-based multi-model cavern information modeling framework is presented here to improve project management, construction, and delivery by integrating multiple interlinked data models and project performance data for large underground cavern construction. Data models of cavern construction processes are linked to propose an extension of the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) schema based on the cavern-specific elements, relationships, and property set definitions. To illustrate the potential of the proposed framework, a theoretical application to the powerhouse cavern construction is presented. The results indicate that the framework has significant potential to improve construction efficiency and safety and establish a robust foundation for the digital transformation of underground cavern projects. The theoretical implementation on the Neelum–Jhelum powerhouse cavern showed that the framework enabled a 92 m cavern realignment to avoid fault zones, achieved a 12.4% reduction in rock bolt usage, and a 9.8% reduction in shotcrete volume. These quantitative improvements illustrate its potential to enhance safety, reduce material costs, and optimize construction efficiency compared to conventional workflows.