The Challenge of Interoperability on BIM for Infrastructure Projects

Barry McAuley, Ph.D. Post-Doctoral Researcher 086 014 4853 bmcauley@cita.ie www.bicp.ie

BICP Case Study: The Challenge of Interoperability on BIM for Infrastructure Projects Background and Challenges Arup have worked on a number of BIM for infrastructure projects which has presented a series of challenges that have required innovative solutions.

Arup view BIM as a process for the efficient integration of models and design tools to increase collaboration and efficiency. At present they are investing significant resources into developing efficient workflows for the detailed design phase.

Some of the greatest complexities in infrastructure projects include the typology of the elements, the number of different alignments, including rail alignments with clothoid spiral curvatures and super elevated alignments in highways. Each discipline has a specialist software which presents the challenge of inter-operability. Some of these software packages have difficulties processing geometrical variations over an alignment. The primary challenge for Arup was to overcome the complexities in defining the 3D model and having this parametrically driven by the alignment.

Solution Some of these challenges have been partially overcome by using coded software, such as Dynamo, which is a visual programming extension for Autodesk Revit that allows one to manipulate data, explore design options, automate processes and create links between multiple applications. The overall goal is to have fully parametric models where the alignment can be defined through Dynamo.

A vital part of any BIM project is the establishment of a robust BIM execution plan which will contain accurate project information, roles and responsibilities, preferred software, etc. This will set out the aspirations of the project which must be then

communicated with the client, design and construction team.

The careful selection and effective management of the common data environment (CDE) will ensure a secure environment for the sharing of project information that can be used beyond the construction stage for asset management

Case Studies Arup have worked on the Auckland Light Rail project with their colleagues in Australia and New Zealand.

This project consisted of 29 kilometers of light rail, through a heavily congested downtown area, with one of the key inputs being the utility services. Through ArcGIS, which is a geographic information system (GIS) for working with maps and geographic information, a 3D model was generated showing the locations of all the existing utilities and services.

ArcGIS enables one to use 2D maps and 3D scenes to visualize data in novel ways and discover nonobvious relationships, inefficiencies, trends and opportunities. The ArcGIS add on extension, FME Workbench, which is a visual workflow editor used for developing data transformation tools, was applied to generate all of the data into a single location. This information was then used for early clash detection which assisted in the selection of a preferred alignment. This provided feedback early on to service providers to assist with the effective planning of the alignment through the relocation of services.

This process has also been used for Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s (TII) new Metro North project. Arup have been able to collaborate and correlate all of the information provided by TII to set up a series of 3D plans to show the proposed alignment and real time Geographic Information within the area.

The Galway City Transport Scheme used the Autodesk InfraWorks software package which

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employs large amounts of data to establish a model of a project’s existing environment i.e. survey-grade data. InfaWorks enabled the highway engineers to produce accurate road alignment models which could be then partnered with data from external packages such as Revit, MXRoad, Civil3D and SketchUp. Other innovative open source 3D software tools, such as Blender, which provided a platform for visual effects, were applied to generate images of the bridge options over the Corrib. This was a useful tool for collaboration with the client, as it provided them with a clear perspective of what they were deliberating over. InfraWorks was also used to generate 3D model fly throughs for further visual aids for the Client.

Figure 1 provides one of the 3D Bridge Model options developed in Blender.

Figure 1: 3D Bridge Model Options developed in Blender

For the Rastatt Tunnel, Arup worked as the project consultant for the client and helped them develop their BIM strategy and execution plan. Data was added to the geometric model to set up an enhanced 3D model. Clash detection resolved geometric and time-based conflicts to avoid expensive re-work on site. Visualisations were used to assist with transparent project communication and to increase public acceptance. The 3D models were linked with the construction schedule to create 4D models for efficient construction sequencing. The 3D models were also linked with construction schedules and bills of quantities to create 5D models for project control.

Arup provided QR scans which provided real time access to progress data.

Edmonton Light Rail in Canada represents a project Arup has been working on in Ireland. This consists of

13km of light rail of which 1.6km was designed in the Cork and Dublin offices. The intended use of the 3D model was to produce drawings, verify and to meet spatial requirements, justify railway clearances, achieve urban fitting and utilities clash detection.

The alignment which passed through an urban environment was clash detected early in the concept to identify existing utilities.

The rail engineers used Civil3D to set up the alignment. A challenge presented itself in trying to model this alignment within Revit as it was heavily curved. To achieve this a series of Visual Basic codes within Excel were designed. These codes take a series of control points from the Civil3D alignment and manipulate that information within Excel to generate the profile of the girder. The model was also used to assist the contractor with the piers, as the contractor had concerns about withdrawing the tremie pipe. A space proofing and clash detection exercise was successfully achieved through a fully developed 3D model of the pier reinforcement, bearing holding down bolts and tremmie pipe interface to ensure the contractor could adequately fit the tremie pipe.

The Arup MEP team which was based in Cork could work in partnership with the Architecture team in the United States on the live Revit model. The structures team could also see any changes the architectural team made resulting in instant communication.

Figure 2 and 3 provides a CGI of Edmonton light rail and 3D rebar section respectively.

Figure 2: CGI of Edmonton L.R.T. Davis Elevated Guideway

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management. BIM has enabled greater accuracy for the site team which has assisted in mitigating schedule risk. If one is to achieve these benefits then it is important to provide the required labour intensive resources to ensure the models can be adequately detailed.

Acknowledgements Robert Ryan (Arup) Case Study prepared by Dr. Barry McAuley (CitA/DIT), Dr. Alan Hore (CitA/DIT) and Prof Roger West (TCD).

Figure 3: Edmonton L.R.T. Rebar section

The Riyadh Metro project involved 16 sub-stations with two stations designed in Cork. BIM was essential due to the complexity in geometry and service interfaces. When the project began there were over 1,500 clashes recorded which was reduced to 50 before moving to site. A virtual design meeting was held every fortnight where a Navisworks model was used for walk throughs, screen share and identification of the clashes. Figure 4 provides a CGI of Riyadh Metro

Published: August 2017

Figure 4: CGI of Riyadh Metro

Conclusion The primary benefit for Arup from the application of BIM is the intelligent and data-rich processes. BIM allows for the effective collaboration between all disciplines which can result in enhanced spatial planning, improved co-ordination through clash detection, visual analysis and smarter change

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