BIM was frequently applied with commercial and residential
buildings. But in recent years BIM
(Building Information Modeling) process and technology is utilized in major
infrastructure projects ranging from roads & highway, bridges,
dams, water treatment facilities, power plants, transportation facilities,
transit, airport projects, utilities
(such as gas, electric, water and wastewater) etc. As for example , the design and construction of the Harbour
Way Port Talbot project in Wales, that contains rail and roadwork to join the
M4 into Port Talbot and the docks.
Within 2014 the application of BIM for infrastructure
projects is going to increase more than 50% as BIM with its digitally-based internal
and external collaborative processes offers greater productivity as well as
improve efficiency and costs.
67% of current users of BIM for infrastructure experience a
positive ROI on their BIM investments whereas over 40% of the users identified
as experts in BIM application for infrastructure experience an ROI of 50% or
greater.
BIM contains an intelligent,
model-based process in which all the data
or information is integrated in a workable model. City
planners, GIS professionals, and civil engineers get the project insights instantly
and create cost effective infrastructure projects. Besides, the users
can generate 3D model of entire infrastructure including urban environment,
ground infrastructure from accessible BIM data & import detailed models and create 3D thematic
maps.
Data within a BIM model can provide information on utility
lines, direction of waterflow, pipe materials, elevations and slopes,
connectivity. The model can also contain the date of pipe installation and
inspection. This will facilitate to find out the possible trouble areas and
improvement areas in a more convenient ways.
3D modeling plays an important role for infrastructure
project from planning through lifecycle management. A variety types of data is
accumulated and incorporated in layers as well as X,Y, and Z coordinates,
geographic information system (GIS) data, parcel boundaries, and aerial
photographs. Obtainable roads and buildings and utilities are placed into the
model. Detailed analysis is achieved with the formation of the model. Analysis
happens simultaneously with design, not post-design. Additionally, data and relationships are
predictable for the future.
BIM
is also being utilized to examine geometry, spatial relationships and
geographic information, quantities and properties of construction components.
Besides, the project team employs sensor measurement and control signals to
further evaluate the operation and maintenance of infrastructure.
BIM also provide great benefits for infrastructure projects
toward prefabrication and modularization by improving productivity factors
ranging from schedule, cost, quality, sustainability and safety.
BIM also assist to minimize inconsistencies and changes,
enhance project quality, reduce project risk, better predictability of project outcomes for infrastructure
projects.
Latest innovation in Laser scanning technology with aerial Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) can capture data,
geometry, and characteristics precisely and rapidly from infrastructure assets.
This data can be incorporated with a BIM model or workflow to produce rich data
sources producing an as-built model of existing infrastructure to be useful for
designers to visualize & simulate the performance, appearance and cost of
renovations. Project stake holders can formulate informed decision to walk
around design alternatives, associated structural performance analyses, seismic
audits, and cost and schedule visualizations.
BIM based digital model comprises of data components
symbolizing infrastructure elements like materials, weight, loading resistance,
and other physical properties that lead to seismic performance and cost or
schedule parameters. Utilizing BIM in infrastructure projects the users get the
ability to evaluate and study the performance of individual components and assess,
compare, and grade the environmental and financial impact of anticipated
renovations for an total system.
BIM features 3D visualization,
simulation and analysis to examine numerous design alternatives in advance in
the process and deliver more durable infrastructure in future.
BIM empower all the project team members to watch the model
of the project from different angle enhancing the communication among the
entire project team.
Some useful software for infrastructure modeling :-
- Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler 2012
- AutoCAD Utility Design 2012
- Autodesk Civil 3D
Rajib Dey
Visit us at www.bimoutsourcing.com for more information
