The holistic modelling of soil-structure interaction requires three-dimensional dynamic design systems, which capture the changes undergone by the geotechnical components during construction progress. Such complex engineering design systems need comprehensive computational tools and powerful management and visualization facilities for the contained system properties. In addition to that an accurate three-dimensional description of the soil as well as a detailed representation of the integrated geotechnical construction elements is essential. This paper describes the approach to the design of a holistic geotechnical model. The consequent application of the object oriented paradigm made the development of a prototype of the three-dimensional geotechnical CAD-System GTIS possible, which suitably captures the complexity of soil structure systems and at the same time aids the geotechnical engineer in their specific approach and terminology. The results of this work and the proposed new approach to model the complexity of geotechnical engineering problems using computer aided decision support systems for planning measures of building pits are shown with realistic examples.

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