Ir Dr Raymond Koo obtained his PhD degree in Civil Engineering from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He is a chartered geotechnical engineer and has been working for the Consultants and the Government of HKSAR over 20 years. He has a variety of working experience in geotechnical engineering projects in Hong Kong and particularly developed his research skills in advanced numerical modelling. He is currently a Senior Geotechnical Engineer in the LPM Division 2 of the Geotechnical Engineering Office and working on the BIM implementation in LPMit design.

Under the Landslip. Preventive Measures (LPM) and the Landslip Prevention and Mitigation (LPMit) Programmes, geotechnical assessment and design of slope works has largely been a repetitive and time-consuming process that was highly dependent on manual assessment and interpretation of data collected from desk study, field mapping and ground investigation. The Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) is endeavouring to further enhance the data reliability and process efficiency in the planning and design of slope works, by capitalising on the latest digital technologies including Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital geological data infrastructures, remote sensing, advanced numerical analysis, virtual reality (VR) simulation, etc. For instance, through the use of BIM technology, complex topography, geological conditions, foliage, utilities matrix and underground facilities are collectively considered in the design and construction of slope safety works.

With an aim to investigate BIM-GIS integration, the GEO has recently set up a pilot 3D Mapping System which serves as a central repository for GEO’s BIM models and allows users to access the BIM model data of debris barriers via the internet and mobile devices. The BIM models can be imported into the 3D Mapping System for integrated management of digital models and other GIS data, which enables a better appreciation of the barriers and their surrounding topographic setting and facilities. Real-time landslide detection system (LDS), which monitors the condition of debris barriers using cameras, impact switches and level sensors, are also incorporated in the system. It allows the GEO to quickly identify the location of sensors impacted by debris and better appreciate the condition of debris accumulation, which facilitate any necessary prompt emergency response.

This presentation will include the initiatives and the latest advancement on the use of BIM technologies in design and geotechnical assessment for the LPMit Programme. The digital workflow and practical challenges for the implementation of BIM in LPMit design will also be discussed. A brief introduction of the pilot 3D Mapping System and its applications on BIM-GIS integration as well as LDS will also be given in the presentation.