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Journal of Graphics ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (4): 895-903.DOI: 10.11996/JG.j.2095-302X.2026040895

• BIM/CIM • Previous Articles     Next Articles

A visual delivery method for underground space digital models integrating 4D Gaussian splatting and augmented reality

YANG Jihao1, CHEN Penglu2, LU Baihua2, ZHAO Yu1, ZHAO Chunjie1, ZHANG Jian2, ZHOU Yihui1, CHEN Lei2, CHEN Xiangsheng2, TAN Yi2()   

  1. 1 China Railway Tenth Bureau Group Co., Ltd., Jinan Shandong 250013, China
    2 College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Guangdong 518060, China
  • Received:2026-02-16 Accepted:2026-06-12 Online:2026-08-31 Published:2026-08-31
  • Contact: TAN Yi
  • Supported by:
    National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFF0507904)

Abstract:

As underground space engineering expands in scale and complexity, conventional static and discrete model delivery methods based on BIM, point clouds, or meshes suffer from slow update cycles, excessive data volumes, and visual distortions. Consequently, they are inadequate for the growing demands for dynamic visualization and precise control throughout the construction process. To address this industry challenge, a digital twin model visualization delivery framework integrating 4D Gaussian Splatting (4DGS) with Augmented Reality (AR) technology was proposed, aiming to achieve high-fidelity dynamic reconstruction and immersive delivery of underground construction models. This approach established a comprehensive technical framework encompassing temporal data acquisition, 4DGS dynamic modeling, and AR-based interactive visualization. First, by leveraging multi-view temporal imagery and 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) technology, temporal attributes were integrated into the modeling of key construction nodes to construct a 4D Gaussian splatting representation of the on-site construction progress. Second, the 3DGS models were subjected to lightweight compression for deployment on mobile AR terminals. This supported virtual-real registration and overlay, temporal playback, multi-axial sectioning, and interactive real-time analysis of the digital twin across various construction phases. Experimental validation across multiple typical underground engineering scenarios demonstrated that the compressed 3DGS models achieved substantial reductions in storage footprint compared to traditional point cloud and mesh models, while significantly improving visual fidelity metrics, including Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), and Learned Perceptual Image Patch Similarity (LPIPS). Furthermore, this method enabled high-fidelity, dynamic, and clear reconstruction of complex construction processes on AR devices, effectively mitigating the visual distortion issues inherent in traditional models. By integrating 4DGS and AR, the conventional static and discrete model delivery paradigm was transformed into a dynamic, continuous, and interactive immersive experience, establishing a closed-loop system encompassing perception, visualization, interaction, and feedback. This provided a robust digital foundation for construction technical briefing, process control, and full-lifecycle operation and maintenance management of underground space engineering projects.

Key words: 4D Gaussian splatting, augmented reality, underground space construction, digital twin, construction progress visualization

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