Import Tunnel Models

To describe a tunnel in Gemini Terrain, we can use designed data from consultants. Today we support delivery in the formats IREDES, LandXML, and NovaPoint Tunnel (.XML). How we handle these formats is described in more detail below.

IREDES Import

IREDES is a worldwide initiative formed by the main players in construction, civil engineering, and mining. The goal is to develop and maintain a practical standard for data exchange for equipment in the industry. More information can be found on the website.

IREDES files contain a complete tunnel project with the following elements:

• Horizontal curvature
• Tunnel contours

In IREDES, the horizontal curvature is described as a 3D line. It does not contain horizontal and vertical curvature with radii and clothoids as, for example, in the VIPS format.

Tunnel contours in IREDES format are imported to Manual tunnel description.

We can choose between IREDES 2D and IREDES 3D. Profile numbers in Gemini Terrain are given in relation to the centerline in 2D. If the profiles in the IREDES files are given in 3D, we must therefore choose IREDES 3D. Then all profile numbers will be adjusted to 2D during import.

Note

Bever uses 2D and Atlas uses 3D.

A tunnel in IREDES format will, as known, contain many XML files. There is currently no fixed naming convention for these XML files.

A tunnel description in XML format will consist of:

• One XML file for each tunnel contour
• One XML file for the centerline with indication of the contours' placement along the line

Procedure

1. Open SFI Properties...
2. Activate the Import/Export tab
3. Click Import...
4. Select IREDES 2D/IREDES 3D (.XML) from the list of available formats
5. Click Browse... and select all files for the tunnel and click Open
6. Click Import

Note

If we want to combine IREDES data with VIPS data, for example use horizontal and vertical curvature and road parameters for road body from VIPS, we can import the VIPS project in the same way afterwards.

LandXML Import

LandXML files can contain complete road and tunnel projects with the following elements:

• Horizontal curvature
• Vertical curvature
• Road parameters
• Tunnel contours

Gemini Terrain's import does not check whether the LandXML file is a pure road or tunnel project, or a combination. For tunnel projects, we must check off only horizontal and vertical curvature, as well as tunnel contours. The tunnel contours' layer names are initially not identical to Gemini Terrain's. This normally works fine, but we get questions during import about whether the connection the program suggests is correct.

Note

If we want to combine LandXML data with VIPS data, for example retrieve road parameters for road body from VIPS, we can import the VIPS project in the same way afterwards.

Procedure

1. Open SFI Properties...
2. Activate the Import/Export tab
3. Click Import...
4. Select LandXML (.XML) from the list of available formats
5. Click Browse... and select the file for the tunnel and click Open
6. Click Import

Novapoint Tunnel XML

In Novapoint Tunnel, the tunnel geometry is modeled relative to the road geometry. The tunnel profile is linked to surface edge lines in the road project and will therefore be automatically updated when changes are made to the SFI model. Due to this connection, we first import the VIPS project in the usual way and then the XML file for the tunnel.

Procedure

1. Open SFI Properties...
2. Activate the Import/Export tab
3. Click Import...
4. Select Novapoint Tunnel (.XML) from the list of available formats
5. Click Browse... and select the file for the tunnel and click Open
6. Click Import

Novapoint Tunnel XML files are imported to Parametric tunnel description. The XML file can contain layers for:

• Tunnel
• Tunnel blasting profile
• Driving box

Note

VIPS railway projects contain an offset for the road surface. The program takes this into account when building surfaces, but it is always a good rule to check built profiles against delivered F-drawings.