Revealing and Resolving Clashes by Going Digital After studying their options, Alamo NEX determined Bentley applications could help teams collaborate within 3D design, enabling them to work within the tight space while keeping any clashes to a minimum. They began by using ProjectWise to establish an open, connected data environment with clearly defined servers and tight control over who accesses information, ensuring all information is up to date and accurate. “This is very beneficial to the group as there is absolutely no doubt of the most current version of a specific design file, as no consultant can work on their server,” Gonzalez said. Team members then used MicroStation, OpenBridge, and OpenRoads to create and refine models for each portion of the project. ProjectWise enabled the team to share designs to the iTwin Platform, enabling all team members to review options, highlight elements, and make comments. By comparing design proposals with real-world data captured from LiDAR scans, the teams created a digital twin that could help them determine available vertical clearances, available spaces for machinery, the types of retaining walls required, and the dimensions of columns. As the project incorporated numerous elevated viaducts, having strong 3D visualization helped designers immediately realize the impact of designs on the urban environment. Finally, combining individual components and real-world assets enabled them to reveal and resolve clashes, ensuring seamless connections between all elements. Improving the Driver Experience with a Digital Twin By designing all elements of the project within a single environment, Alamo Nex enabled all team members to contribute to every portion of the project. Combining clash detection tools and LiDAR information for existing elements greatly reduced the number of clashes and errors, ensuring seamless connection during the design phase and preventing costly redesigns during construction, such as having to rebuild elements that were demolished by mistake. The team detected and eliminated 3,530 clashes during design. Additionally, they determined how to reduce the use of expensive elements like steel spans while keeping the design strong. Alamo NEX also worked to improve the experience of commuters. Team members took care to view assets in the design applications
from the point of view of people driving on the highway. With that perspective, they removed, raised, or moved elements of the viaducts that could block views of signs. Designing the highway with a 3D digital twin helped them overcome the tight design area to create the unusual but effective viaduct form, all while greatly improving efficiency.
AMY HEFFNER is director, product marketing with Bentley Systems. She can be reached at amy.heffner@bentley.com.
Project Summary Organization Ferrovial Construction and Alamo NEX Construction Solution Bridges and Tunnels Location San Antonio, Texas, United States Project Objectives • To determine how to build an elevated viaduct road in a tight urban environment. • To establish a 3D digital twin that could help them eliminate clashes. Products Used iTwin, MicroStation, OpenBridge, OpenRoads, ProjectWise Fast Facts • A 21.8-mile span of Interstate 35 needed three new lanes in each direction, requiring an elevated viaduct design in a tight urban area. • Ferrovial Construction and Alamo Nex Construction determined traditional 2D design methods would lead to numerous clashes and costly rework. • Using Bentley applications, they established an open, connected data environment and created a digital twin of the project. ROI • Combining clash detection tools and LiDAR information for existing elements eliminated 3,530 clashes, preventing costly rework. • Digital design helped them determine how to reduce the use of expensive elements like steel spans while keeping the design strong. • By simulating the view of drivers within the digital twin, they removed, raised, or moved elements of the viaducts that could block views of signs.
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AUGUST 2023 csengineermag.com
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