Bridge Digital Twin
related data is transferred to contractors for construction and, later, to owners for asset management and maintenance operations. The intel- ligent 3D models created by Bentley’s OpenBridge can be shared with contractors and used to create the construction schedule and plan how the structure will be built in a fully collaborative environment with the engineering disciplines. Contractors can connect their Gantt charts and cash-flow schedules directly to the 3D model using Bentley’s SYN - CHRO, and evaluate multiple construction options. Since the 3Dmodel is information rich, contractors can also add any beneficial information to the model, such as manufacturer specifications, spreadsheets, PDF documents, or field data, including installation date, conditions reports, manufacturer provisions, and quality control observations. Using this approach, at the end of the construction process, the contrac- tor will have produced an as-built model. This as-built model is an accurate representation of the built bridge and can be delivered to the owner-operator. Digital Twins for Bridges An as-built model, with its combination of design and construction information, has tremendous value for owner-operators. If reality data and Internet of Things data (sensors, drones, photos, and point clouds) are added to the model, the 3D model grows into a true digital twin of the bridge, which can be used for bridge management and operations. While 3D intelligent models provide a valuable shared knowledge resource, digital twins support a more reliable basis for decisions dur- ing the bridge lifecycle. Using Bentley’s iTwin Services, an owner can continuously survey and visualize the bridge, track changes, and perform analysis to better understand and optimize its performance, predict behaviors, and test or apply corrective measures. Conclusion Bentley’s OpenBridge provides organizations with a powerful solution
to adopt new collaborative workflows, implement the BIM for bridges methodology, use digital project delivery, 3D visualization, virtual assembly, automated machine control, fast routing and permitting, network-level study, and smart inventory as a routine part of project development and asset management. These are exciting times in which BIM for bridges is an essential stra - tegic step in the going digital effort of the infrastructure industry. Using BIM compels designers and contractors to think more about operations and maintenance. When designers and contractors think about the full lifecycle of a bridge as it is designed and constructed, the collection of information will paint a more accurate picture of the future operations of the bridge. It is our responsibility as an industry to educate ourselves in the available technology advancements and learn how to adopt them and gain significant economic efficiency throughout infrastructure lifecycles. ALEXANDER MABRICH, PE, MSC, MBA, PMP joined the Bentley Systems team 29 years ago. As a User Success Manager, he provides consulting, training, and support services for multidisciplinary design projects. His bridge, roadway, site, drainage, and geotechnical expertise range from resurfacing roadway projects thru complex multilevel interchanges in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Registered PE in Florida, he graduated from Universidad Ricardo Palma in Lima, Peru, in 1988. He obtained his Master of Science in Civil Engineering degree from Florida International University in 1996 and his Master in Business Administration at Saint Thomas University in 2017. He also holds a Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute. Mr. Mabrich is also a recognized speaker in Civil and Geotechnical Confer - ences with papers published in conferences in the US, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Peru. BURAK BOYACI is Manager of Product Management at Bridge Group, Bentley Systems. LEE TANASE is Senior Director at Bridge Group, Bentley Systems.
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csengineermag.com
september 2020
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