BIM in Large Projects: Successfully Managing Complex Infrastructure

Imagine a large-scale infrastructure project: a bridge stretching for kilometers, connecting cities and overcoming imposing geographic obstacles. Coordinating hundreds of workers, managing a multimillion-dollar budget, and ensuring millimeter precision in design and construction are just some of the challenges faced in such projects.

In such a complex scenario, how can we guarantee success and efficiency? The answer lies in Building Information Modeling (BIM), a methodology that is transforming the way we approach large infrastructure works. BIM is not just a 3D design software; it is a collaborative platform that integrates every aspect of a project, from the initial conception to operation and maintenance, optimizing each stage and allowing for unprecedented integrated management.

In this article, let’s explore how BIM is becoming the key to success in large-scale projects.

What are Large Infrastructure Projects?

“Large infrastructure projects” are distinguished by their size, complexity, and socioeconomic impact. These civil engineering works require considerable investment, the involvement of multidisciplinary teams, and a high degree of coordination to overcome the challenges inherent in their design, construction, and management. Some examples of these projects include:

• Bridges: The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, 55 kilometers long, is an example of modern engineering. This bridge, which connects Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macao, required meticulous planning to overcome geographical and environmental challenges. Precise coordination between the design and construction teams from the three regions was also necessary.
• Subway Systems: The Tokyo metro, with more than 300 kilometers of track and 285 stations, is one of the world’s largest and most efficient underground transport systems. Its construction and continuous expansion require detailed planning to minimize disruptions to the city’s daily life and ensure passenger safety.
• Airports: Beijing Daxing International Airport, with its futuristic design and capacity for 100 million passengers per year, is an example of how airport infrastructure can drive economic growth and global connectivity.
• Utility Networks: The water supply network in Singapore is an example of how BIM can optimize the management of critical infrastructure. This project, which included the construction of a new water treatment plant and an extensive network of underground pipes, used BIM to plan the work, detect potential conflicts with existing facilities, and simulate water flow to optimize the network’s design.

These projects, in addition to their scale, are characterized by inherent complexity. Factors such as interaction with the environment, risk management, coordination of different disciplines, and resource optimization make managing large infrastructure projects a highly demanding task. It is in this context that BIM presents itself as an integrated solution, enabling more efficient, precise, and collaborative management.

Success Stories

Here are some concrete examples of large projects that have successfully used BIM:

• Queensferry Crossing Bridge (Scotland): This 2.7-kilometer bridge, crossing the Forth estuary in Scotland, was constructed using BIM to optimize design, planning, and construction. BIM allowed the detection and resolution of approximately 15,000 potential conflicts at an early stage of the project, and it is estimated to have generated savings of about £10 million. The bridge was completed on budget and on schedule—would you give that win to BIM?
• Denver Airport Expansion (United States): This expansion project, which included building a new terminal and remodeling existing facilities, used BIM to ensure greater construction efficiency. With BIM, they created a complete digital model of the airport, making it easier to visualize the project and make decisions. BIM was also used to simulate passenger flow and optimize the design of facilities, resulting in a 10% reduction in construction costs.
• Drinking Water Project in Singapore (Singapore): This project, which involved constructing a new water treatment plant and installing a network of underground pipes, used BIM to optimize the design and construction of the infrastructure. BIM enabled the creation of a digital model of the terrain and existing facilities, facilitating the planning of works and the detection of potential conflicts. Additionally, BIM was used to simulate water flow and optimize the design of the piping network, which is estimated to have reduced construction time by 15%.

The Future of BIM in Large Projects

BIM is continuously evolving, and new technologies promise to further enhance its application in large infrastructure projects. Some emerging trends in BIM include:

• BIM 4D (Time): Integrating the time dimension into the BIM model allows for simulating the construction sequence and optimizing the project schedule. This is especially useful in large projects with multiple phases and interdependent activities, where time management is crucial to meeting deadlines.
• BIM 5D (Cost): BIM 5D allows each element of the model to be linked to its associated cost, facilitating the generation of detailed budgets and tracking expenses throughout the project. This is particularly relevant in large infrastructure projects, where costs can reach billions of dollars.
• BIM 6D (Sustainability): Integrating sustainability criteria into the BIM model allows for evaluating the environmental impact of the project. It enables the analysis of energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and other environmental factors, helping make decisions that minimize the project’s environmental impact.
• Cloud BIM: Cloud BIM enables all participants in the project to access the most up-to-date information from the model, facilitating communication, coordination, and decision-making. This is especially useful in large infrastructure projects, where the involvement of numerous teams and companies can complicate information management.

In summary, we can say that Building Information Modeling (BIM) is becoming an indispensable tool for managing large infrastructure projects. Its ability to optimize planning, design, construction, and lifecycle management, along with its focus on collaboration and efficiency, makes it an invaluable asset for any large-scale project.

By addressing the specific challenges of each large project, such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing large volumes of data, BIM drives efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

Ultimately, BIM is positioned as the key to success in the era of complex infrastructure, driving the creation of more efficient, sustainable, and resilient works.