Integrating road information modeling (RIM) and geographic information system (GIS) for effective utility relocations in infrastructure projects

Abstract

Purpose

Transportation infrastructure projects are inevitably delayed due to delays in the completion of underground utility relocation. Unfamiliar location, difficulty in utility identification and use of ineffective coordination practices hamper timely completion of utility relocation works. This paper aims to develop integrated road information modeling (RIM) and geographic information system (GIS) models to assist early identification of utilities and effective coordination during utility relocation in infrastructure projects.

Design/methodology/approach

An ethnographic action-based case study research methodology was adopted in this paper. Two ongoing infrastructure projects with significant utility relocation delays are chosen as case studies and integrated RIM-GIS models are developed to assist utility relocation. To verify the applications of developed RIM-GIS models, a focus group discussion was conducted with 10 field experts from the considered case studies.

Findings

The application of the developed RIM-GIS models enabled 3D visualization of existing underground utilities and enabled identification of utility conflicts before the start of the construction. They also enabled facilitating coordination and reduce utility relocation delays. The evaluation of the developed models shows that the RIM-GIS model approach enabled early planning and coordination and facilitates effective management of utility relocations.

Practical implications

The current practices of using CAD and GIS for utility relocations are inadequate due to the difficulties in characterizing utilities and ineffective coordination practices. The proposed RIM-GIS approach can be adopted as a suitable alternative for effective management of utility relocations.

Originality/value

Several studies have contributed toward integrating BIM and GIS for the analysis of highway and utility infrastructure projects. Efforts on integrating RIM and GIS for the support and management of utility relocations in highway and utility infrastructure projects remain unexplored.

Citation

Rajadurai, R. and Vilventhan, A. (2022), "Integrating road information modeling (RIM) and geographic information system (GIS) for effective utility relocations in infrastructure projects", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 29 No. 9, pp. 3647-3663. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-04-2021-0295