3D modelling for infrastructure planning 08 Mar 2018

New Zealand based Seequent (formerly Aranz Geo) has developed a software programme called Leapfrog Works to help managers of underground construction projects understand, visualise and take account of subsurface conditions when planning for new infrastructure.

Geological analysis for possible transport route

With Leapfrog Works, users can build 3D models from geotechnical data within days, and models can be edited and new data added as the project progresses. Leapfrog Works enables collaboration and file sharing between multiple parties from remote locations using standard technical set up. Its 3D visuals can be readily shared to help stakeholders better understand each stage of a project.

The software has been embraced by leading professionals and received input at the development stage from engineering firm Mott MacDonald, which signed a global enterprise agreement to give all its geotechnical practitioners access.

“We have been working alongside Mott MacDonald to identify opportunities to improve understanding and communication of ground conditions in infrastructure and groundwater projects, and support the cultural shift towards digitisation and collaborative working,” said Daniel Wallace, Seequent General Manager of Civil and Environmental. “Our modelling solution pairs information regarding the geology with the engineering design, to allow clients to see the bigger picture and have the clarity and confidence to make better design and construction decisions.”

“The communication of geotechnical issues to non-specialists has been a long-standing challenge for geotechnics practitioners, and Leapfrog has helped with this,” said Tony O’Brien, Mott MacDonald Geotechnics Global Practice Leader. “The 3D geological models allow our project teams to thoroughly interrogate ground data from a variety of sources and field observations. Since using the software, we have seen substantial reductions in the time needed to produce ground models, with associated cost savings compared to traditional approaches.”

Mott MacDonald has used Leapfrog Works at the design stage of many tunnelling and infrastructure projects worldwide including the Upper Chelburn impounding reservoir and Blackpool south surface water separation projects for United Utilities in the UK.

Precursor Leapfrog 3D was first introduced to the mining and minerals industry 15 years ago, and Seequent is contributing to the modelling, understanding and management of geological risk for projects in more than 80 countries from offices in Asia/Pacific, Africa, South America, North America and Europe.