Abstract:

The demand for underground construction to support urban development is growing in major metropolitan centers worldwide. As Brazil’s economic hub, São Paulo faces significant infrastructure challenges, prompting the need for expanded underground networks. Understanding the geotechnical characteristics of subsurface materials is therefore essential. In this context, three-dimensional geological modeling tools—widely adopted in the petroleum and mining industries—are increasingly relevant but remain underutilized in civil construction. In contrast, countries such as the United Kingdom and Finland have consistently applied 3D models to support urban tunneling, as seen in the London and Thames Valley projects. This paper presents a portion of a 16.8 km2 3D geological and geotechnical model of the São Paulo Metropolitan Area—specifically for Metro Lines 3 and 4—developed using Leapfrog Geo software. The complete model is based on 703 borehole records provided by the São Paulo Metro Company (CMSP), characterizing the sedimentary basin in which the metro system is located. The software uses an implicit modeling method based on Radial Basis Functions (RBFs), similar to dual kriging. It supports continuous updates without the need for full re-interpretation, enhancing the planning and design of future subway lines. The study also outlines the benefits and challenges associated with the broader adoption of such tools for underground infrastructure projects. This initial model serves as the foundation for a growing geological and geotechnical database designed to support future tunneling initiatives in São Paulo and its surrounding metropolitan region.

Referência:

ALVARANGA, João Paulo Mantovani; IYOMASA, Wilson Shoji; CELESTINO, Tarcísio B.; MONTEIRO, Marcelo Denser. Geological and geotechnical in urban áreas: an application to the São Paulo metropolitan área. Soils and Rocks, An International Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, v.49, n.1, p.1-8, 2026.  (Nota Técnica)

Acesso ao artigo no site do Periódico:

https://www.scielo.br/j/soiroc/a/CGGfdTnxXZCJLKtfwjzTMPG/?format=pdf&lang=en