“Although ProjectWise was new to most of the staff, its ease of use soon made it a powerful tool within the project,” said David Bennison, director of HDB Associates. Using ProjectWise together with Bentley’s design and analysis appli- cations allowed the team to use the DGN file format for all the models across all disciplines for an effective federated process. The coordi- nated models improved information mobility, enhanced efficiency, and allowed for robust design practices to check buildability at the early project stages. Working in a collaborative environment streamlined workflows and accelerated information sharing among all stakeholders for effective data management throughout the project. Supporting attribute data “The use of Bentley software was groundbreaking on many aspects of the project, particularly with the way the model attribute data was added and stored,” Bennison said. OpenRoads, MXROAD, and SUE used feature definitions to control the look of the models and objects, and their associated data, all of which were imported into MicroStation to facilitate the federated modeling process. While current standards of classifying project data relied on a three- tiered approach incorporating containers, files, and layers, CCJV needed a more flexible and agile approach to meet the challenges of producing 3D models that supported attribute data for 4D, 5D, and future 6D modeling processes, and satisfied the need to exist in parallel with the traditional information. CCJV created a classification system using Bentley Class Editor, which had all the functionality necessary to develop and maintain the required information. The models were split into three categories: • data to ensure each item had a unique ID, • additional asset information common to all objects, and • a specific set of properties depending on the type of item (i.e., subbase object or drainage object). These models with attributed objects facilitated design and multidisci- pline reviews. The ability to link attributed data within each model us- ing Bentley applications provided the information required to produce cost reports and enable facility management in alignment with the 4D and 5D deliverables, as well as allow for the production of 6D asset models in the future. Converting 2D into 3D The JV team converted the traditional documents and drawings into models using MXROAD, creating MicroStation files using surface models as a reference. This type of approach was successful for model- ing things such as lighting columns, traffic signs, and drainage sys- tems. Hundreds of columns were modeled quickly and efficiently, with built-in consistency checks and automated workflows. To create traffic sign models, CCJV used a similar approach, except that most of the information was obtained from an existing Excel sign schedule rather than a 2D drawing. The use of the schedule enabled all required attribute data for the signs to be added automatically during the modeling process.
The team needed to incorporate the 2D models into the BIM process as well as integrate temporary works, project constraints, and traffic management as active elements within the 3D model.
Finally, with drainage being a significant element of any infrastructure scheme, it was imperative that the team determine an efficient method to create the 3D models and required attribute data. Using Bentley’s civil design applications, CCJV implemented an automated workflow to convert the earlier completed drainage designs into 3D models and attributed MicroStation files. The flexibility and interoperability of Bentley applications facilitated development of processes for effective and efficient production of the final project deliverables. Federated modeling optimizes ROI Using Bentley applications, CCJV integrated project constraints, temporary works, and traffic management into the modeling process. The 3D models were used for design reviews, clash detections, build- ability checks, and site briefings, invaluable to the project given the constrained nature of working on the M1, the integration of a new separate junction, and the need to minimize adverse effects on motor- way travelers. Having a construction-ready, user-friendly federated model capable of being manipulated onsite in real time optimized planning and collabo- ration. The temporary phasing models allowed the construction team to adjust beam lifts over the carriageway to help manage traffic flow during construction, reducing road closures from 14 to nine on one of England’s busiest motorways. Moreover, by modeling the topography of existing roads, the team optimized earthworks such as cut-and-fill ratios for road replacements, reducing costs and minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment. Using a federated BIM process, CCJV improved information mobility, coordination, and planning, resulting in substantial construction sav- ings, minimizing risk, and the need for post-construction changes. STEVE COCKERELL , industry marketing director, Rail, joined Bentley Systems (www.bentley.com) in 2002 through the company’s acquisition of Infrasoft. At Infrasoft, Cockerell served as channel marketing director where he helped develop and launch Arenium, an engineering collaboration product that enabled multi-user access to MX 3D design models. This led the way toward technology that supports BIM processes.
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csengineermag.com
april 2018
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