BIM-based modeling method for outdoor pipeline adapting to terrain
By extracting terrain elevation point data and calculating the projected elevation of pipeline nodes in BIM modeling, adjusting the elevation, and generating a pipeline model that adaptively matches the terrain, the problem of construction complexity in existing technologies is solved, and efficient pipeline construction is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA METALLURGICAL CONSTR ENG GRP
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing BIM modeling methods fail to fully reflect the complex elevation changes of real terrain, resulting in a large number of on-site adjustments during construction, increasing the workload and construction period, and lacking the ability to dynamically map the correspondence between pipeline nodes and terrain space.
By creating an initial pipeline model in BIM modeling software, extracting terrain elevation point data and setting it in the grid, calculating the projected elevation of pipeline nodes on the terrain, adjusting the elevation of pipeline nodes, and generating a pipeline BIM model that adaptively matches the terrain.
The pipeline model was successfully fitted to the terrain, reducing on-site excavation, improving construction efficiency and accuracy, and reducing engineering costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN122333692A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of architectural design, and more specifically to a BIM-based method for adaptive terrain modeling of outdoor pipelines. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, the design and modeling of outdoor pipeline projects typically rely on two-dimensional design drawings or preliminary route plans. Simple 3D reconstruction models are then created using BIM modeling software, with pipeline paths often connected by straight lines or regular polygonal lines, and only necessary elevation markings and slope settings at local nodes. This modeling approach is primarily based on idealized design conditions, assuming the terrain is flat or has simplified undulations, and fails to fully reflect the complex elevation variations of the actual site.
[0003] In actual construction, due to the influence of natural terrain undulations, local elevation changes, and geological conditions, the designed pipelines often require extensive on-site adjustments, including increasing excavation depth and locally raising or lowering the pipeline elevation. This leads to more complex construction procedures, increased workload, and extended construction periods. Furthermore, existing BIM models do not incorporate high-precision terrain elevation data and gridded spatial representation during construction, lacking the ability to dynamically map the correspondence between pipeline nodes and terrain space, making it difficult to achieve adaptive matching between pipeline burial depth and terrain undulations.
[0004] Therefore, to solve the above problems, a BIM-based modeling method for outdoor pipelines that adapts to the terrain is needed, which can fit the pipeline model to the terrain, reduce on-site excavation, and improve construction efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a BIM-based modeling method for adaptive terrain of outdoor pipelines, which can achieve the fitting of pipeline models with terrain, reduce on-site excavation, and improve construction efficiency.
[0006] The BIM-based adaptive terrain modeling method for outdoor pipelines of the present invention includes the following steps:
[0007] Create an initial pipeline model;
[0008] Extract terrain elevation point data and set the terrain elevation point data into a grid with coordinate labels to form multiple terrain grid cells;
[0009] Obtain the spatial coordinates of each pipeline segment node in the initial pipeline model, and determine the corresponding terrain grid unit based on the spatial coordinates;
[0010] Based on the terrain elevation point data in the terrain grid unit, calculate the projected elevation of each pipeline segment node on the terrain.
[0011] Based on the pipeline burial depth, the projected elevation of the pipeline segment nodes is adjusted to obtain the adjusted pipeline node elevation.
[0012] The initial pipeline model parameters are updated based on the adjusted pipeline node elevations to generate a pipeline BIM model that adaptively matches the terrain.
[0013] Further, an initial pipeline model is created, specifically including:
[0014] Based on pipeline planning data from the design phase, the starting and ending points of the pipeline, path control points, pipe diameter specifications, and design slope are obtained, and the pipeline centerline geometry is constructed in three-dimensional space according to the node sequence.
[0015] The corresponding pipe entity is generated using the centerline as the skeleton. Parametric pipe segments are formed by assigning pipe diameter, wall thickness and material properties, and elbows, tees and connection nodes are automatically generated according to design specifications. At the same time, the topological connection relationship and attribute association between pipe segments are established to form an initial three-dimensional pipe model with complete geometric information and engineering attributes.
[0016] Furthermore, terrain elevation point data is extracted, specifically including:
[0017] Acquire three-dimensional point set data of the terrain surface, construct a two-dimensional grid within the terrain area according to the preset terrain sampling interval, and perform sampling or projection calculation on the terrain based on the two-dimensional grid. Determine the corresponding elevation value at each grid node to form a structured terrain elevation point dataset.
[0018] Furthermore, the spatial coordinates of each pipe segment node in the initial pipe model are obtained, specifically including:
[0019] The initial pipeline model is divided into several pipeline segments according to the preset pipeline segment length;
[0020] Extract the connection node or endpoint information of each pipeline segment, and call the model interface to read the three-dimensional coordinate parameters of the corresponding node to form a spatial coordinate dataset including the positions of all pipeline segment nodes; among which, the three-dimensional coordinate parameters include X and Y plane coordinates and Z-axis elevation values.
[0021] Furthermore, determining the corresponding terrain grid unit based on the spatial coordinates specifically includes:
[0022] Based on the planar coordinates of the pipeline segment nodes and the pre-built terrain grid division rules, the grid row and column number of the node is determined by coordinate interval determination or index mapping, and the terrain grid unit to which it belongs is located.
[0023] Furthermore, the projected elevations of each pipeline segment node on the terrain are calculated, specifically including:
[0024] Within the target grid cell, select several neighboring terrain elevation points, construct local terrain function relationships using spatial interpolation, and vertically project the pipe nodes at their planar locations to obtain the corresponding elevation values Z.
[0025] Furthermore, based on the pipeline burial depth, the projected elevations of the pipeline segment nodes are adjusted, specifically including:
[0026] Using the topographic projection elevation of the node as a benchmark, the offset calculation is performed in the vertical direction according to the preset pipeline burial depth. The node elevation is set as the topographic elevation minus the burial depth value to obtain the target elevation of each pipeline segment node, so that the pipeline is located below the ground surface in space and meets the design burial requirements.
[0027] Furthermore, a pipeline BIM model that adaptively matches the terrain is generated, specifically including:
[0028] The adjusted elevations of each pipeline segment node are used as control constraints to replace the elevation parameters of the corresponding nodes in the initial pipeline model, while keeping the planar coordinates and topological connections of the pipeline nodes unchanged.
[0029] Based on the updated 3D node coordinates, the pipeline centerline and longitudinal profile geometry are reconstructed, and the pipe diameter, slope and elbow connection parameters are adjusted in conjunction to make the pipeline geometry adapt to the terrain undulations in the vertical direction.
[0030] The spatial geometry and attribute information of the pipeline are synchronously written into the BIM modeling unit to generate a pipeline BIM model that is consistent with the actual terrain spatial distribution and meets the burial constraints.
[0031] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention discloses a BIM-based adaptive terrain modeling method for outdoor pipelines. First, a preliminary pipeline model is created in the BIM modeling software Revit, and the burial depth, pipeline segment length, and terrain sampling interval are set. Then, terrain elevation points are extracted and grouped using Dynamo, and the pipeline nodes are traversed to calculate their projection point elevations and adjust the pipeline elevations. Finally, a pipeline model that fits the terrain is generated. This invention can achieve pipeline model fitting with the terrain, reduce manual adjustments and on-site excavation, improve construction accuracy and efficiency, reduce engineering costs, and has good application prospects. Attached Figure Description
[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:
[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the modeling method of the present invention;
[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of the modeling method of the present invention;
[0035] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the pipeline adaptive terrain fitting effect of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0036] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, as shown in the figures:
[0037] This embodiment discloses a BIM-based modeling method for adaptive terrain of outdoor pipelines, including the following steps:
[0038] S1. Create the initial pipeline model;
[0039] S2. Extract terrain elevation point data and set the terrain elevation point data into a grid with coordinate labels to form multiple terrain grid cells;
[0040] S3. Obtain the spatial coordinates of each pipeline segment node in the initial pipeline model, and determine the corresponding terrain grid unit based on the spatial coordinates;
[0041] S4. Calculate the projected elevation of each pipeline segment node on the terrain based on the terrain elevation point data in the terrain grid unit;
[0042] S5. Based on the pipeline burial depth, the projected elevation of the pipeline segment nodes is adjusted to obtain the adjusted pipeline node elevation;
[0043] S6. Update the initial pipeline model parameters based on the adjusted pipeline node elevations to generate a pipeline BIM model that adaptively matches the terrain.
[0044] In this embodiment, step S1, creating an initial pipeline model in the BIM modeling software, specifically includes:
[0045] Based on pipeline planning data from the design phase, the starting and ending points of the pipeline, path control points, pipe diameter specifications, and design slope are obtained. Spatial interpolation and path fitting are performed in a three-dimensional coordinate system according to the node sequence to construct a continuous pipeline centerline geometry.
[0046] Using the centerline as the geometric skeleton, a pipe solid model with actual dimensions is generated based on the preset pipe diameter parameters. Furthermore, engineering attributes such as wall thickness, material type, and connection method are introduced to enable the pipe unit to have parametric expression capabilities. At the same time, according to the pipeline turning and branching relationships, components such as elbows, tees, and flange connections are automatically configured at key nodes, and the topological connection relationships and attribute association relationships between each pipe segment are established, thereby forming a complete and continuous three-dimensional pipeline network model.
[0047] The above methods can achieve standardized conversion of pipeline models from design data to 3D BIM representation, improve the parameterization of the model and its consistency with engineering, and enhance the accuracy and adaptability of subsequent integration with terrain data.
[0048] In this embodiment, step S2, extracting terrain elevation point data, specifically includes:
[0049] Acquire the original 3D point cloud data or digital elevation model data of the terrain surface of the target area, and perform coordinate unification and noise preprocessing on it to improve the spatial consistency and reliability of the data.
[0050] Based on this, according to the preset terrain sampling interval, such as 10m, a regular two-dimensional grid division system is constructed within the terrain coverage area, so that the terrain space is discretized into multiple grid units with coordinate labels.
[0051] Based on spatial interpolation or nearest neighbor projection methods, the original 3D terrain point set is mapped to the corresponding grid node positions, and the elevation value at each grid node is calculated, thus forming a structured terrain elevation point dataset. If the number of terrain elevation points is found to be inconsistent with the original terrain, the system checks whether the terrain is hidden in the view being operated on.
[0052] The above method can transform unstructured terrain point cloud data into a gridded elevation model with a unified spatial index, reducing the amount of data, improving the computational efficiency of terrain data, and providing a stable data foundation for subsequent spatial matching between pipeline nodes and terrain, as well as adaptive elevation adjustment.
[0053] In this embodiment, step S3, obtaining the spatial coordinates of each pipe segment node in the initial pipe model, specifically includes:
[0054] Based on a pre-set pipeline segment length, such as 2m, the initial pipeline centerline or segment model is spatially discretized at equal intervals or constrained by feature points to divide the continuous pipeline into multiple standardized pipeline segments.
[0055] Identify the starting and ending nodes of each pipeline segment, as well as key connection nodes such as elbows and tees, and read the corresponding three-dimensional spatial coordinate parameters of each node through the BIM model data interface API or parametric modeling engine. The three-dimensional spatial coordinate parameters include the horizontal X-axis coordinate, Y-axis coordinate, and vertical Z-axis elevation value, thus forming a complete set of spatial coordinate data of pipeline segment nodes.
[0056] The above method enables the extraction of structured nodes from complex pipeline models and the unified coordinate representation, ensuring the consistency of pipeline spatial information, improving the accuracy and efficiency of subsequent node-terrain mesh matching and elevation correction calculations, and providing a reliable data foundation for terrain adaptive adjustment of pipeline BIM models.
[0057] In this embodiment, step S3, determining the corresponding terrain grid unit based on the spatial coordinates, specifically includes:
[0058] Extract the planar coordinate information, i.e., the X and Y coordinate values, from the three-dimensional spatial coordinates of the pipeline segment nodes, and use these planar coordinates as the basis for spatial positioning.
[0059] Combining the pre-built two-dimensional terrain grid division rules, the grid regularly divides the terrain area at fixed intervals, forming a structured grid system with row and column indexes;
[0060] By comparing the X and Y coordinates of a node with the coordinate range of the grid boundary, or by using a fast positioning algorithm based on index mapping, the specific grid row and column number in which the node falls can be determined, thereby accurately locating the terrain grid cell to which it belongs and establishing the correspondence between the node and the grid cell.
[0061] The above method enables rapid matching and structured association between pipeline nodes and terrain space, reduces complex spatial search and repetitive calculation processes, improves node positioning efficiency and stability, and provides a reliable spatial mapping foundation for subsequent projection elevation calculation based on grid elevation data and adaptive adjustment of pipeline elevation.
[0062] In this embodiment, step S4, calculating the projected elevation of each pipeline segment node on the terrain, specifically includes:
[0063] Within the defined target terrain grid cell, extract multiple terrain elevation sampling points adjacent to the planar location of the pipeline node, and select a set of neighboring points within a certain range based on their spatial distribution characteristics.
[0064] Spatial interpolation methods such as Kriging interpolation, inverse distance weighted interpolation, or bilinear interpolation are used to fit the adjacent terrain elevation points and construct a continuously changing terrain elevation function relationship model for this local area.
[0065] The planar coordinates of the pipeline node are substituted into the terrain function model as input variables, and projection calculation is performed along the vertical direction to obtain the projected elevation value Z of the node at the corresponding position on the real terrain surface.
[0066] The above method can effectively achieve smooth reconstruction from discrete terrain points to continuous terrain surfaces, improve the continuity and accuracy of terrain elevation estimation, avoid error fluctuations caused by single-point values, and provide a more accurate terrain benchmark for subsequent pipeline node elevation correction, thereby improving the matching consistency between the pipeline BIM model and the actual terrain.
[0067] In this embodiment, step S5 involves adjusting or correcting the projected elevation of the pipeline segment nodes based on the pipeline burial depth, specifically including:
[0068] The projected elevation of each pipeline segment node on the corresponding position on the terrain surface is used as the reference elevation value, and the preset design burial depth is introduced as a vertical control constraint; wherein, the burial depth is set to 2m;
[0069] A quantitative offset calculation is performed on the node elevation in the vertical direction, that is, the projected elevation value is subtracted from the corresponding burial depth value to obtain the target design elevation of each node; during the calculation process, the burial depth can be set differently according to the functional attributes or design requirements of different pipe sections to achieve unified control of local adjustment and overall consistency.
[0070] Ultimately, each pipeline node is moved as a whole to a predetermined depth below the ground surface in three-dimensional spatial coordinates, while meeting the requirements of minimum soil cover thickness and construction safety specifications.
[0071] The above methods can achieve direct mapping and automatic correction between pipeline burial depth and terrain undulation, avoiding the errors and inefficiencies of manually adjusting elevations point by point, improving the accuracy and consistency of pipeline longitudinal layout, and enhancing the adaptability of BIM models under complex terrain conditions.
[0072] In this embodiment, step S6, generating a pipeline BIM model that adaptively matches the terrain, specifically includes:
[0073] The target elevation of each pipeline segment node after the burial depth adjustment is used as the vertical control constraint condition. The Z-axis elevation parameters of the corresponding nodes in the initial pipeline model are updated and replaced. At the same time, the node coordinates in the X and Y planes and the existing topological connection relationship are kept unchanged to ensure the stability of the pipeline network structure.
[0074] Based on the updated 3D node coordinates, the pipeline centerline is refitted and reconstructed, and the corresponding longitudinal profile geometric curve is generated simultaneously. During this process, the pipeline slope parameters are adjusted in conjunction with the node elevation change trend to meet the design requirements of continuous drainage or pressure transmission. At the same time, the elbow angle, connecting component position and pipe diameter transition relationship in the local turning area are consistently corrected to ensure that the pipeline geometry can smoothly transition and adaptively fit with the terrain undulations.
[0075] The updated pipeline spatial geometry data and attribute information are uniformly written into the BIM modeling unit to form a complete parametric 3D pipeline model. The effect of this pipeline model fitting the terrain is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. The geometric data and attribute information include material, pipe diameter, slope, and connection relationships;
[0076] The above method achieves high-precision coupling between the pipeline model and the actual terrain, improves the model's adaptability to complex terrain conditions, and reduces the workload of on-site adjustments during the construction phase.
[0077] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A BIM-based method for modeling outdoor piping adapting to terrain, characterized in that: include: Create an initial pipeline model; Extract terrain elevation point data and set the terrain elevation point data into a grid with coordinate labels to form multiple terrain grid cells; Obtain the spatial coordinates of each pipeline segment node in the initial pipeline model, and determine the corresponding terrain grid unit based on the spatial coordinates; Based on the terrain elevation point data in the terrain grid unit, calculate the projected elevation of each pipeline segment node on the terrain. Based on the pipeline burial depth, the projected elevation of the pipeline segment nodes is adjusted to obtain the adjusted pipeline node elevation. The initial pipeline model parameters are updated based on the adjusted pipeline node elevations to generate a pipeline BIM model that adaptively matches the terrain.
2. The BIM based modeling method of outdoor piping adapting to terrain of claim 1, wherein: Creating an initial pipeline model includes: Based on pipeline planning data from the design phase, the starting and ending points of the pipeline, path control points, pipe diameter specifications, and design slope are obtained, and the pipeline centerline geometry is constructed in three-dimensional space according to the node sequence. The corresponding pipe entity is generated using the centerline as the skeleton. Parametric pipe segments are formed by assigning pipe diameter, wall thickness and material properties, and elbows, tees and connection nodes are automatically generated according to design specifications. At the same time, the topological connection relationship and attribute association between pipe segments are established to form an initial three-dimensional pipe model with complete geometric information and engineering attributes.
3. The BIM based modeling method of outdoor piping adapting to terrain of claim 1, wherein: Extracting terrain elevation point data, specifically including: Acquire three-dimensional point set data of the terrain surface, construct a two-dimensional grid within the terrain area according to the preset terrain sampling interval, and perform sampling or projection calculation on the terrain based on the two-dimensional grid. Determine the corresponding elevation value at each grid node to form a structured terrain elevation point dataset.
4. The BIM-based adaptive terrain modeling method for outdoor pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: Obtain the spatial coordinates of each pipe segment node in the initial pipe model, specifically including: The initial pipeline model is divided into several pipeline segments according to the preset pipeline segment length; Extract the connection node or endpoint information of each pipeline segment, and call the model interface to read the three-dimensional coordinate parameters of the corresponding node to form a spatial coordinate dataset including the positions of all pipeline segment nodes; among which, the three-dimensional coordinate parameters include X and Y plane coordinates and Z-axis elevation values.
5. The BIM-based adaptive terrain modeling method for outdoor pipelines according to claim 4, characterized in that: Determining the corresponding terrain grid unit based on the spatial coordinates specifically includes: Based on the planar coordinates of the pipeline segment nodes and the pre-built terrain grid division rules, the grid row and column number of the node is determined by coordinate interval determination or index mapping, and the terrain grid unit to which it belongs is located.
6. The BIM-based adaptive terrain modeling method for outdoor pipelines according to claim 4, characterized in that: Calculate the projected elevation of each pipeline segment node on the terrain, specifically including: Within the target grid cell, select several neighboring terrain elevation points, construct local terrain function relationships using spatial interpolation, and vertically project the pipe nodes at their planar locations to obtain the corresponding elevation values Z.
7. The BIM-based adaptive terrain modeling method for outdoor pipelines according to claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the pipeline burial depth, the projected elevation of the pipeline segment nodes is adjusted, specifically including: Using the topographic projection elevation of the node as a benchmark, the offset calculation is performed in the vertical direction according to the preset pipeline burial depth. The node elevation is set as the topographic elevation minus the burial depth value to obtain the target elevation of each pipeline segment node, so that the pipeline is located below the ground surface in space and meets the design burial requirements.
8. The BIM-based adaptive terrain modeling method for outdoor pipelines according to claim 7, characterized in that: Generate a pipeline BIM model that adaptively matches the terrain, specifically including: The adjusted elevations of each pipeline segment node are used as control constraints to replace the elevation parameters of the corresponding nodes in the initial pipeline model, while keeping the planar coordinates and topological connections of the pipeline nodes unchanged. Based on the updated 3D node coordinates, the pipeline centerline and longitudinal profile geometry are reconstructed, and the pipe diameter, slope and elbow connection parameters are adjusted in conjunction to make the pipeline geometry adaptively fit the terrain undulations in the vertical direction. The spatial geometry and attribute information of the pipeline are synchronously written into the BIM modeling unit to generate a pipeline BIM model that is consistent with the actual terrain spatial distribution and meets the burial constraints.