Keywords: LandXML based format, geotechnical data exchange, planning process, semantic subsoil description, geotechnical database, GroundXML, geotechnical analysis.

The format GroundXML ensures a continuous data stream between the different planning processes and closes the gap within the geotechnical data process. This format should not only be used as an interchange format for geotechnical information such as soil parameters but also as a format to realize terrestrial, geotechnical and infrastructural planning processes. Through the full integration of the standard LandXML all relevant information of the terrestrial and infrastructural structure can be integrated. The level of the entered data depends on the progress of the different planning process. This means that the LandXML based extension GroundXML stores all data from the survey, geotechnical and infrastructure planning. The information about the terrestrial and geotechnical data will be provided from a three-dimensional subsoil model which is linked to the geotechnical database. This database is divided into two sections. The first part contains information about the subsoil investigations and laboratory tests and the other part stores specific interpreted data for the structural analysis, structural engineering or design execution. The infrastructure model can be designed with the help of GroundXML. In the last processing step the geometrical and geotechnical semantic data of the cross section element is used for numerical geotechnical analysis. The flexibility and modifiability of GroundXML is guaranteed by the XML standard. In further work the results of a numerical geotechnical proofs will be integrated in the GroundXML scheme. This should improve the data exchange between geotechnical constructors and inspectors. It is hoped that the interchange format GroundXML will become a standard in Germany's geotechnical industry. The idea to develop GroundXML emerged during the work for the research project "ForBAU" (www.forbau.de). This Bavarian research project consists of a group of different universities and partners from the building industry. The aim is to improve the planning and building process of infrastructure and bridge construction with a virtual building site model.

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