Integrating BIM for Infrastructure & Civil Projects 

A popular quote on infrastructure defines it to be:  

The foundation of economic expansion is infrastructure. It increases access to fundamental utilities like clean water and electricity, generates jobs, and stimulates the economy. While I and you travel by car or train, economists take the infrastructure.

Jeff Bezos said: 

I consider creating infrastructure in space to be my work, and I do it the difficult way. I'm putting heavy-lifting infrastructure in place with the help of my resources to prepare the way for the next generation's dynamic, entrepreneurial expansion into space. 

It’s true that the foundation of the economic expansion of a nation is infrastructure and the next generation should have a dynamic entrepreneurial expansion into space.  

Are you thinking of the technology that can help?  

Surely it’s Building Information Modeling or BIM for infrastructure. In fact, integrating BIM for infrastructure and civil projects can do wonders for your construction. Let’s explore how BIM helps these projects. 

Types of BIM Services for Infrastructure: 

• Scan to BIM 

• Clash detection 

• Construction drawings 

• As-built drawings 

• FM data 

• COBie services 

• Fabrication drawings 

• Structural BIM & detailing  

Software Applications Used: 

• Civil 3D, Tekla, Revit, Navisworks, and AutoCAD Plant 3D 

Process of BIM for Infrastructure: 

1. Existing Condition Survey - Scan to BIM, Site Modeling, and Topographic Modeling 

2. Infrastructure Design & Planning - Design Development & Coordination, Construction Documentation, and Energy Analysis Modeling 

3. Offsite Fabrication - Fabrication drawings, parametric modeling, and spool drawings 

4. Construction: Procurement Schedule, Shoring Modeling, and 3D Utility Coordination 

5. Asset Management - COBie data for Facility Management, LOD 500 Modeling, and As-built drawing

Sectors that Use BIM for Infrastructure & Civil: 

1. BIM for Transportation: BIM is a game changer when it comes to transportation engineering and construction because it frequently happens that newly proposed roads and highways bisect or collide with underground infrastructure for water services. Before time or money is spent on the ground, BIM offers a forum for all parties to communicate each project phase and work out any differences with the specific components or timetable. The potential conflicts with the current conditions are coordinated and resolved by the BIM team, and the clash-free model then moves on to construction, offsite manufacturing, and eventually operation. 

BIM also makes it possible to make precise decisions about drainage, geometry, quantity takeoff, lane layouts, cut/fill, analysis & simulation, site grading, and construction documentation. Engineers from multiple disciplines and project teams can work together to optimize designs and carry out value engineering. In brief, BIM services improve coordination, constructability, and operability for designers, supply chains, contractors, process partners, and asset owners.  4D scheduling tools help to plan, monitor, and manage different phases of the project lifecycle, from conception to completion. By aiding navigation, BIM also promises to be a crucial element in the safety and effectiveness of the future generation of autonomous self-driven cars. Roads, traffic improvements, metro stations, sidewalks, and highways are all included in BIM services for roads and highways. 

2. BIM Modeling for Bridges and Dams: In addition to managing vertical construction projects, BIM is frequently used to plan, design, fabricate, build, operate, and maintain horizontal structure projects like dams and bridges. Projects of this size frequently entail numerous engineering disciplines and design components, including intricate retaining walls, lighting and power systems, cables and utilities buried underground, utilities for managing water and wastewater, and road and rail transportation systems. You can develop an accurate and interactive register of all the structures and systems.  

Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers all collaborate on design, planning, and construction due to the BIM workflow. BIM engineers give you an integrated BIM model with all trade services included in it, and they handle clash resolution for the services inside the model. BIM tools allow them to make wiser and more effective design decisions through in-depth model visualization. The engineers provide model-based design and construction documentation to produce drawings more quickly. 

You will have correct fabrication drawings for off-site production and fabrication. Thanks to prompt and progressive BIM support during the building stage. Once the building process is complete, the as-built model of the dams or bridges will provide you with smooth operational and maintenance support that will aid in the prompt detection, location, documentation, and repair of defects. BIM services for bridge and dam modeling also encompass retaining walls, pedestrian and vehicular bridges, interchanges, and entry and exit ramps. 

3.  BIM for Civic Structures: Modern stadiums are intricate constructions that have a strong emphasis on sustainability, aesthetics, and audience comfort. They also contain a variety of facilities, including dining establishments, parking garages, swimming pools, retail stores, and other commercial establishments. Large-scale plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems frequently communicate with structural systems. BIM engineers offer precast detailing & structural steel detailing services for the off-site production of structural elements. An experienced interdisciplinary BIM team has a significant role to play in the coordination and collaboration of these diverse trades because it can be fairly difficult to do so. To facilitate collaboration among different engineering specialties, the BIM team provides a common data environment in the form of an engaging 3D model. 

BIM service providers ensure that all delicate trade specifications are incorporated into a single, central 3D model crowded with data. Collaboration increases accuracy and decreases design mistakes. Between the electromechanical and structural systems, conflicts are detected and resolved. All project participants' specific information, including element quantities, schedules, and costs, are embedded in the model.  Off-site prefabrication, structural, and precast BIM teams extract advance procurement quantities and fabrication drawings. BIM consultants don’t stop with the completion of the modeling. They also provide as-built modeling and documentation. 

BIM modelers also produce specialized BIM data, such as COBie, which is necessary for effective Facility Management. They are aware of the significance of consistent information flow for operational stage efficiency and ensure that the model is filled with accurate and thorough information throughout the design and building phase. In addition to athletic fields, recreational facilities, public facilities development, parks, and stadiums are all included in BIM services for stadium modeling. 

The use of BIM for infrastructure and civil gives the project stakeholders a shared and thorough understanding as well as control over it. With an emphasis on accuracy and update, the central BIM model guarantees synchronized coordination among them. Thus, errors and misunderstandings are reduced at an early stage, enabling better decision-making. For all of your Infrastructure Modeling needs, BIM is the one-stop shop.