BIM-based Assessment of Solar Glare Risk on a Road Section

Abstract

Glare is a lighting phenomenon that causes vision impairment or subjective sensations of visual discomfort. It can obstruct a drivers vision for a short period of time, resulting in sudden reductions in speed that can lead to collisions between vehicles or road collapses. Sun glare is one of the main factors that disturbs or obstructs vision. In addition, near the endpoints of a tunnel, the risk of glare is amplified when its axis has a clear east-west orientation due to the requirements of the layout. On the other hand, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a collaborative working methodology that allows the creation of parametric digital models of an asset (infrastructure or building). These contain the geometry and data necessary to support design, construction and maintenance operations. Moreover, simulations and analyses can be performed over the generated models to predict the behavior of the asset, or the circumstances that could affect it. This work evaluates the safety of a road section based on a methodology that generates and analyses the results of the solar lighting study using a file in Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format, an open standard for the exchange of BIM models. The developed methodology makes use of the geometric information of the linear work, the calculation of shadows and the BIM model. The case study is located on the island of Tenerife, at the exit of Santo Domingo tunnel (in Buen Paso direction), in the municipality of La Guancha. This section of road is characterized by three aspects: its orientation, its curved layout and the confluence of lanes it presents. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.. All rights reserved.